Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

From 3L

Core of red with light brickish edges.

Nose is pretty. Dryish cherries to cherries, strawberries, blackberries flow underneath, raspberries, some fresh rhubarb, notes of cherry Jolly Rancher, red to mid berry cola, some soapy baking powder notes, tobacco, used leather, (might be the glass), soft, mid intensity baking spices, vanilla-in, soft oak shavings, moist clay, limestone, dry top soils, red flowers, red roses & candied violets.

The palate is ripe, juicy; sweet & tart cherries, strawberries, some black berries, dry pomegranate, somewhat stewed/spiced plum, blackberries with circling raspberries, nice mid spice, dry tobacco, leather, grilled meats, soft, mid intensity baking spices, vanilla-in, soft,dry, oak shavings, moist clay, limestone, volcanics, hints of white pepper, dry leaves, dry top soils, red flowers, red roses & candied violets, excellent acidy with a well made, balanced, biggish structure & tension, good length finish that lasts minutes and fall on spice & minerals.

1800 bottles made and only 6 3L’s. This is one of From 3L. — 10 days ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.2

Clear, deep ruby to purple in color; on the nose, it's clean with pronounced primary and secondary aromas of black plums, graphite, and green peppers; on the palate, it's dry with medium acidity, medium tannins, medium alcohol, full body, and pronounced primary and secondary aromas of blackberries, blueberries, tar, and clay pots with a long finish. This wine is balanced and intense. Overall, I rate it as very good. Nellie likes it too. — 3 months ago

with Nellie

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Nickel & Nickel – Vaca Vista Vineyard – Cab Sauv– 2022
Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A single-vineyard Napa Cabernet sourced from the cool and elegant Oak Knoll District. Fermented and aged with the classic Nickel & Nickel precision, this expression favors balance, red-to-dark fruit purity, and structure over sheer power. A modern Napa style that emphasizes approachability without sacrificing depth.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, cassis, plum, and violet, with cedar, vanilla, graphite, and a touch of baking spice. Subtle oak integration allows the fruit and minerality to shine.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus in body, polished, and cohesive. Fresh acidity, supple tannins, and a graceful arc from entry to finish. Not a bruiser — a refined, cooler-climate profile that stays lively and lifted.

Food Pairings
Flat iron steak, short ribs, mushroom risotto, grilled lamb chops, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced, site-driven Napa Cabernet that delivers both sophistication and drinkability. Finessed rather than forceful, and a strong example of why Oak Knoll continues to be one of Napa’s most exciting AVAs for Cabernet.

Did You Know?
Nickel & Nickel was founded by the Far Niente family with a mission to produce 100% varietal, single-vineyard wines, showcasing Napa’s terroir with clarity. Oak Knoll is one of Napa Valley’s coolest sub-AVAs, producing elegant, aromatic reds with natural acidity and restraint.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Oak Knoll being a single-vineyard expression from this sub-AVA makes it one of the easiest, most easygoing Cabernets from the Napa floor, and I always like to have it as an opener when pouring more intense Napa reds. A perfect warm-up that sets the stage beautifully. — 5 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2017 Rio Sordo pours a deep garnet color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears and loads of chunky sediment towards the bottom. On the nose, the wine is developing with solar notes of Morello cherry, pomegranate, tar, roses, dried green herbs, old wood and dry gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. These 2017 Riserva’s are already showing really well…sneaky good. Drink now with some patience and through 2047+. Bottle No. 00952/10000 — 7 days ago

Erik Longabardi

9.4

Linda Lista Chard. Genius — 2 months ago

Judy Miko

9.1

Very light, smooth — 5 months ago

with Lauren

S&M

9.8

5/8/26 Wonderful, decadent berry tastes. Rich but smooth, jam like cherry and blackberry tastes immediate on the tongue. Fabulous wine — 8 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Deep Ruby with aromas of ripe fresh berry fruits, spice and herb notes, has a splash of Merlot added to the Malbec. On the palate flavors of cherry and blackberry with notes of oak and black pepper notes. Fine soft tannins, great balance with acidity, long finish ending with juicy fruits and mineral notes. Good value! — 2 months ago

Peter Manchester

9.2

Very smooth.
Buttery, begging for a bite of steak. Lighter on the tannins than many Malbecs, slight acidity softens it and masks the high proof. — 4 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.2

Brock thompson jordan john s kevin b — 7 months ago