Nichols Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 | Rich chocolate & Spice | Don’t think twice
Offering up rich black fruit, dark chocolate and spice, this wine dazzles on the spot. Nichols Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 is deep ruby/black in color. In addition, black cherry, cassis, tobacco, and mocha on the nose. Plus vanilla bean, black cherry cobbler, cassis, and anise on the palate. Ending with ripe tannins and a long finish with sweet spice lingering. So, no need for an hour in the decanter or a call to your accountant.
As everyday wines go, Britt’s Nichols Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 is a rarity. When compared with other $25 bottles — especially Napa Cab — there isn’t much competition. While Britt applied the deft touch learned under masters Morlet and Melka to fruit sourced from several sites in the Valley. Notably St. Helena, aging the juice for 20 months in 50% new Hungarian oak, producing a seamless and approachable Cabernet.
Much more than an everyday wine!
When Britt Nichols told us that the $25 Nichols Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 was one of her favorites, out of all the wines she’s made, we couldn’t help but wonder, “why?” While for someone making high-end Cabernet, we assumed that her preference was for superstar bottlings. Rather, the once a year, or once a decade wines. Much as her own releases have all been either Reserve bottlings or AVA designates — not for everyday drinking.
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And yet, Britt’s response made perfect sense. “What could be better than a wine you can drink daily, that also excites you daily?” We couldn’t argue, not with the way her 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet turns heads. While offering up rich black fruit, dark chocolate and spice, this wine dazzles on the spot. So, no need for an hour in the decanter or a call to your accountant.
“So what does this mean, you’re finished with the high-end stuff?” we asked.
“Hardly,” Britt smiled, “I could never stop making the once-in-a-blue-moon-bottles. I’m just honoring the everyday wines along the way.”
Winemaker Britt Nichols
Winemaker Britt Nichols has more pedigree than many winemakers twice her age, with time spent at Jordan Winery and alongside legends Nicolas Morlet and Philippe Melka. Like those of her mentors, Britt’s Cabernets are deep in color, rich, and intensely concentrated. Yet unlike all too many Napa Valley Cabernets, these are also wines of great class, sleekness, and polish.