2014 Nickel & Nickel Branding Iron Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Wine Specs
Vintage
2014
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Oakville
Harvest Date
September 30 - October 11, 2014
Aging
French oak barrels (55% new, 45% once-used)
Alcohol %
14.3
In Stock
Wine Specs
Vintage
2014
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Oakville
Harvest Date
September 30 - October 11, 2014
Aging
French oak barrels (55% new, 45% once-used)
Alcohol %
14.3
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Named for the branding iron owned by the proprietor, the eight-and-a-half
acre Branding Iron Vineyard lies in western Oakville, close to the base of the
Mayacamas Mountains. The vineyard is comprised of well-drained clay loam
and the vines are vertically trellised to maximize sunlight and open the canopy.
The area’s warm climate and sun exposure in both the morning and afternoon is
perfect for slowly ripening the fruit, which often benefits from a long hang time.
Vineyard Notes
This was another beautiful growing season with a nice spring that led to an early budbreak
and bloom. Despite the low rainfall, canopies were healthy and clusters were
full. Cross-arm trellising helped spread the canopy and provided protection
for the fruit, allowing speckled light to reach the clusters. The five clones in
this vineyard ripened at different rates. Our west-facing hillside blocks were
harvested first in mid-September, while our other blocks ripened over the next
two weeks. The various clones in this vineyard offer different flavors that
ultimately come together to make this wine’s unique expression.
