The dense purple-colored 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon John C. Sullinger Vineyard (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) comes from an Oakville vineyard planted in clay and loamy soils. It reveals more of an Oakville/Pauillac-like character of cedar, spice box, licorice, black cherries, black currants, and camphor. While it is the most complex aromatically, the wine is still 4-5 years away from resolving some of its tannins. It is a big, full-bodied, powerful, impressive effort that should drink well for 20+ years. All four of these single vineyard offerings from Nickel and Nickel are in need of 4-6 years of bottle age, and appear to be long distance runners.Tel. (707) 967-9600

Shows classic Oakville tannins that are big, ripe, and intricate, but hard, entirely opposite to the softness of the modern cult style. The fruit suggests blackberries and cassis, enriched with smoky-sweet, spicy oak. It’s a beautifully structured, dry and elegant 100% Cabernet, but it’s too tannic for full enjoyment now. Better 2012–2016.——S.H.(3/1/2010)—— 93