This is the second release of Nickel & Nickel’s Bear Track Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. It is sourced from three terraced blocks of vineyards planted in volcanic soils on the eastern hillsides of Napa Valley, just outside of the Howell Mountain AVA. It was my first exposure to this single-vineyard Cabernet which was an enormous delight. The inky color launches a stunning array of spice-filled, floral aromas out of the glass. There are fruitcake spices, baking spices, Black Asian spices and brown spices along with many others that I did not recognize, although they were all immensely pleasing. I proceeded to climb into the glass for more gratification. The essence of this wine is built on a framework of ripe, silky black fruits intermixed with dried herbs, black espresso and sweet oak. It has a long mid-palate that is youthfully complex and finesse driven. Winemaker Joe Harden maintains a perfect balance in all his wines and this beauty is no exception. The wine exudes power and grace with a finale that is nothing short of remarkable. Congrats to Joe Harden and his team.

By W Peter Hoyne