The cool weather in Yountville produces wines with power and intensity and this wine is no exception. The 2014 State Ranch Cabernet has aromas of wild berries, violets and crushed stone. Enticing blackberry and blueberry fruits mingle with notes of minerality and spice, surrounded by toasty oak that complements the fruit. Ample, velvety tannins enrich the texture and carry the fruit into a lengthy finish.

State Ranch is located northeast of the town of Yountville. The 23-acre vineyard is divided into two parcels by State Lane Road and consists of both older and younger vines. Many excellent wines are produced from this area, in part due to the rocky, loam soil which has excellent drainage throughout the year. The vines, as well as the clusters, are moderate in size and the vineyard gets full sun throughout the day. As the young vines mature, we will be harvesting many different clones to make the final wine. Nickel & Nickel selects fruit from 11 acres of the vineyard.