2010 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon State Lane Ranch Vineyard

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon State Ranch from Yountville boasts an impressive bouquet of chocolate and creme de cassis, and powerful, full-bodied flavors. It may be the most concentrated, dense and powerful effort in this portfolio. This blockbuster, full throttle (14.8% natural alcohol) wine should age effortlessly for two decades. I wonder if this designation has any kinship to the State Lane Vineyard owned by the Kapcsandy family?

Author: Robert Parker

(14.8% alcohol): Bright, saturated medium ruby. High-pitched, perfumed nose offers scents of blueberry, blackberry, espresso and violet. Boasts terrific concentration and sweetness to its sharply delineated dark berry fruit, with firm acidity and a solid spine of noble tannins giving lift to the middle palate. Really resounds and rises on the very long finish. This serious, outstanding cabernet may ultimately merit an even higher rating.

Author: Stephen Tanzer

Issue: May/June 2014