Nickel & Nickel, Rutherford (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

It’s hard for me to imagine anyone making more richly flavored, exquisitely balanced Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley than Darice Spinelli at Nickel & Nickel. OK, I concede there are worthy contenders, but Nickel & Nickel is certainly representative of the finest Cabernet the valley has to offer. This vintage of C.C. Ranch is rich and robust, but well balanced, never losing the tension between ripeness and structure that makes a great wine not only exciting, but age-worthy. C.C. Ranch shows layered black-fruit complexity, with a strong note of cassis, a hint of mocha and spice, and a long, juicy palate that finishes with persistence. This weight and balance is well measured, resulting in a Napa Valley Cabernet that is simply stunning.