- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEWS
TASTING NOTES
From the storied heart of Rutherford in Napa Valley, the 2023 Nickel and Nickel DeCarle Cabernet Sauvignon emerges as a compelling expression of site driven precision and vintage excellence. Sourced from the west side of Rutherford, where the famed dusty soils impart both structure and signature character, this single vineyard bottling captures the essence of balance, depth, and refinement that defines the appellation at its best.
The 2023 growing season unfolded with a cool and measured cadence, allowing for extended hang time and optimal phenolic development. This deliberate pace is evident in the wine’s remarkable composure and clarity. Aromatically, it opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe raspberry, black cherry, and juicy blackberry, layered seamlessly with hints of nutmeg, baking spice, and a subtle earthy undertone that speaks to its terroir. The integration of French oak is masterful, lending delicate notes of vanilla and toast without overshadowing the purity of fruit.
On the palate, the wine reveals a beautifully sculpted framework. Rich yet poised, it delivers a core of dark fruit flavors intertwined with accents of pomegranate and savory spice. The tannins are polished and finely grained, offering both structure and accessibility, while maintaining the integrity required for graceful aging. There is a sense of energy throughout, with freshness and acidity providing lift and precision, ensuring the wine remains vibrant from entry to finish.
The finish is long, supple, and deeply satisfying, echoing layers of dark fruit and spice with a persistent mineral edge that is unmistakably Rutherford. This is a Cabernet Sauvignon that manages to be both generous and disciplined, offering immediate appeal while promising further complexity with cellaring.
Aged for 17 months in French oak, with a thoughtful balance of new and once used barrels, the 2023 DeCarle Block reflects meticulous craftsmanship and a commitment to showcasing vineyard character above all else. Yields were slightly below average, resulting in enhanced concentration and intensity, yet the wine never feels heavy or overdone.
This is a quintessential Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, marrying power with elegance and precision with approachability. It stands as a testament to the exceptional 2023 vintage and reinforces Nickel and Nickel’s reputation for producing some of the most compelling single vineyard wines in Napa Valley. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this bottling represents both a worthy investment and a profound drinking experience..
Alcohol: 14.4%
The 2023 growing season unfolded with a cool and measured cadence, allowing for extended hang time and optimal phenolic development. This deliberate pace is evident in the wine’s remarkable composure and clarity. Aromatically, it opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe raspberry, black cherry, and juicy blackberry, layered seamlessly with hints of nutmeg, baking spice, and a subtle earthy undertone that speaks to its terroir. The integration of French oak is masterful, lending delicate notes of vanilla and toast without overshadowing the purity of fruit.
On the palate, the wine reveals a beautifully sculpted framework. Rich yet poised, it delivers a core of dark fruit flavors intertwined with accents of pomegranate and savory spice. The tannins are polished and finely grained, offering both structure and accessibility, while maintaining the integrity required for graceful aging. There is a sense of energy throughout, with freshness and acidity providing lift and precision, ensuring the wine remains vibrant from entry to finish.
The finish is long, supple, and deeply satisfying, echoing layers of dark fruit and spice with a persistent mineral edge that is unmistakably Rutherford. This is a Cabernet Sauvignon that manages to be both generous and disciplined, offering immediate appeal while promising further complexity with cellaring.
Aged for 17 months in French oak, with a thoughtful balance of new and once used barrels, the 2023 DeCarle Block reflects meticulous craftsmanship and a commitment to showcasing vineyard character above all else. Yields were slightly below average, resulting in enhanced concentration and intensity, yet the wine never feels heavy or overdone.
This is a quintessential Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, marrying power with elegance and precision with approachability. It stands as a testament to the exceptional 2023 vintage and reinforces Nickel and Nickel’s reputation for producing some of the most compelling single vineyard wines in Napa Valley. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this bottling represents both a worthy investment and a profound drinking experience..
Alcohol: 14.4%
94 POINTS - "This wine is complete in is richness and elegance. Its aromas and flavors are steady and bright." Wilfred Wong
The 2023 DeCarle Block opens with vibrant aromas of ripe raspberry and subtle nutmeg, setting the stage for a layered and expressive palate. Rich blackberry and juicy pomegranate form the core, accented by savory spice and a hint of earth. The tannins are robust yet refined, giving the wine both structure and approachability. The finish is long and plush, lingering with notes of dark fruit and a subtle thread of spice that reflects its Rutherford roots.