2019 Jeremy Nickel Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 750 ml

Take a look at Vinous’s map of the western Oakville foothills, and you’ll see some of the most famous and sought-after names in Napa Valley Cabernet: Futo, Harlan, BOND, Promontory, Martha’s Vineyard…the list goes on.

Among them, you’ll see a sliver of an estate with an unassuming moniker: The Vineyard House. This property belongs to Jeremy Nickel, who inherited it from his late father Gil Nickel—of Nickel & Nickel, Far Niente, and Dolce fame.

Jeremy bottles prime micro-production Cabernet Sauvignon under The Vineyard House label. But that’s not the only place the Cabernet from this outstanding parcel—one of the greatest sites for Cabernet Sauvignon on planet Earth—is destined.

In 2019, Jeremy directed fruit from The Vineyard House into the Jeremy Nickel Cellars Cabernet, rounded out with top sites across Napa that Jeremy uses his generational connections to access. This is fruit that any winemaker in Napa Valley would kill for.

Aged for 26 months in 50% new French oak, this pours a deep, dusty ruby in the glass, with aromas of dark fruit, cherry, and plum layered with lilac, licorice, cassis, cocoa nib, and espresso. On the palate, it’s textured and juicy, with excellent tannin structure and a long, satisfying finish. This wine is no longer available through the winery, and we’re lucky to have it at today’s price. Anyone who gets a bottle should count themselves lucky too.