2008 Nickel & Nickel C.C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon

C.C. Ranch is planted in Rutherford, along the slope of a knoll west of the Silverado Trail. The vineyard grows classic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon on well-drained, gravelly loam soil and receives a variety of exposures, depending on the block and location. The vines are well balanced and the canopy is opened up to give good light exposure. Nickel & Nickel produces wine from 15 select acres of this 115-acre vineyard. The wine is composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels (51% new and 49% once used).

On the nose I get beautiful aromas of black cherry liquor, black raspberry, cassis, pencil lead shavings, peppercorn, dusty cocoa, cedar chips, and baking spice. There's also a bit of blue fruit..... What a fantastic and evolving wine on the nose. Very Rutherford with it's dusty cocoa and peppercorn aromas.

On the palate this wine expresses gorgeous flavors of ripe black cherry, creme de cassis, milk chocolate covered raspberry, toasted oak, vanilla bean, and savory baking spices. The wine contains a nice silky texture and some really nice tart berry flavors. It's slightly acidic and as quite a full dose of tannin that grip down on the palate. It's a nice wine but need a few more years in the bottle to be able to show it's true potential. 92+ points