Nickel & Nickel Branding Iron Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon single-vineyard wine from Oakville, Napa Valley, bottled at 14.8% ABV.
The eight-and-a-half-acre Branding Iron Vineyard sits in western Oakville near the Mayacamas Mountains.
It was harvested between September 29 and October 4, 2021, given 23 days of skin contact and aged 18 months in French oak, 55% new.
The wine shows black cherry and dried herb aromatics, deep fruit with focused intensity, a round and broad palate, coating tannins, warm toasted oak and an extended finish.
Nickel & Nickel, sister winery to Far Niente, makes only single-vineyard wines, each showing one site. Branding Iron was released in fall 2023 and is a fine Oakville Cabernet to open now or cellar.
Good wine rewards a little care in serving. Whites and rosés show best chilled to around 45 to 50°F, while reds are at their most expressive slightly below room temperature, around 60 to 65°F. Opening the bottle and letting it breathe for a few minutes, or pouring it into a decanter, helps the aromas open up.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Black cherry and dried herbs.
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Palate: Deep fruit, round and broad, with coating tannins and toasted oak.
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Finish: Extended.
Specifications
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Producer: Nickel & Nickel, Oakville, Napa Valley
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Vintage: 2021
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Grape: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
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Vineyard: Branding Iron, Oakville
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Ageing: 18 months French oak, 55% new
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ABV: 14.8%
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Origin: California, United States
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Decant for an hour and serve at 16 to 18°C in Bordeaux glasses. Pair it with ribeye, lamb, braised short ribs and aged cheeses. Store the bottle on its side in a cool, dark place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the vineyard?
In western Oakville near the Mayacamas Mountains.
What grape is it?
100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
How was it aged?
18 months in French oak, 55% new.
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