march 2026
march 2026
Dear Single Vineyard Enthusiast,
With budbreak underway across Napa Valley, this shipment is a reminder that every vineyard tells its own story.
State Ranch, Element 28, Dragon y, and DeCarle Vineyards each offer distinct soil compositions, exposures, and structural pro les. Crafted with single-vineyard precision, these Cabernets demonstrate how vineyards mere miles apart produce profoundly different results.
As you taste, focus on three markers: aromatics, tannin texture, and nish length. Which vineyard expresses the most power? Which offers lift? Return to them over the coming months and observe their evolution.
Spring is a season of study and anticipation—the perfect time to deepen your understanding of terroir.
With appreciation,
Joe Harden nickel & nickel winemaker
2023 Nickel & Nickel
Dragon y Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
st. helena, napa valley
A bouquet of crushed red cherries and delicate rose petals, lifted by a whisper of dried sage. On the palate, sleek, silky tannins allow layers of vibrant red fruit to unfold with grace and precision. Undertones of graphite lend a re ned minerality, adding polish and depth to the wine’s seamless, red-fruited core. The nish is long and harmonious, leaving lingering notes of cherry and oral spice.
APPELLATION
St. Helena, Napa Valley
VARIETAL
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
AGING
20 months in French oak (55% new, 45% once-used)
HARVEST DATE
October 10, 2023
WINEMAKER
Joe Harden VICE PRESIDENT OF WINEMAKING
Andrew Delos
2023 Nickel & Nickel
DeCarle Block Cabernet Sauvignon
rutherford, napa valley
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 rustic yet re ned, giving the wine both structure and approachability. The nish is long and plush, lingering with notes of dark fruit and a subtle thread of spice.
APPELLATION
Rutherford, Napa Valley
VARIETAL
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
AGING
17 months in French oak
(55% new, 45% once-used)
HARVEST DATES
October 17 – 26, 2023
WINEMAKER
Joe
Harden VICE PRESIDENT OF WINEMAKING
Andrew Delos
2023 Nickel & Nickel
Element 28 Cabernet Sauvignon
napa valley
Plum, cassis, and fresh raspberry lead the aromatics, supported by hints of clove and stony minerality. The palate is lively and focused, with a vibrant mix of red and blue fruits carried by a delicate frame. Notes of graphite and a rm, structured core add depth, while the precise, polished tannins give the wine de nition and length.
APPELLATION
Napa Valley
VARIETAL
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
AGING
19 months in French oak (55% new, 45% once-used)
HARVEST DATES
October 11 – 19, 2023
WINEMAKER
Joe Harden VICE PRESIDENT OF WINEMAKING
Andrew Delos
2023 Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
yountville, napa valley
Aromas lead with dense black cherry, cassis, and plum skin, layered over subtle notes of graphite, cedar, and crushed rock. The wine is richly textured with rm, nely-knit tannins and a core of blackberry and dried blueberry. This is a Cabernet built for the cellar but already showing impressive presence and detail in its youth.
APPELLATION
Yountville, Napa Valley
VARIETAL
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
AGING
18 months in French oak (60% new, 40% once-used)
HARVEST DATES
October 6 – 10, 2023
WINEMAKER
Joe
Harden VICE PRESIDENT OF WINEMAKING
Andrew Delos
