2018 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon Kenefick Ranch
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
This site in the northern part of the valley (Calistoga) has produced some brilliant wines over the past handful of years, and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Kenefick Ranch is another great example. Lots of crème de cassis, violets, spicy oak, damp earth, exotic spice notes give way to a seamless, medium to full-bodied Cabernet that has everything in the right place, the vintage's purity and freshness, building tannins, and outstanding length. It's not a blockbuster, but it shows a concentrated yet elegant style that's going to evolve gracefully. Give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following two decades.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Kenefick Ranch shows all of the dark, brooding intensity that is typical of this Calistoga site but without being excessively heavy, as so many wines can be. Inky dark fruit, cloves, licorice, lavender and menthol fill out the layers. The 2018 is just gorgeous.
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Kenefick Ranch is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged in French oak, 50% new, for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with a slightly broody nose of tar, new leather and damp soil, but soon gives way to an expressive core of black currant pastilles, blackberry pie and stewed plums plus a hint of Sichuan pepper. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers bags of earth-laced black fruits with grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with a peppery kick.