96 points Vinous - The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon C.C. Ranch is a classic Rutherford Cabernet with knock-out aromatics, deep fruit and fabulous balance. Cedar, tobacco, menthol, red cherry, chocolate and espresso are all finely knit in a wine that balances elegance with power to grand effect. Even with all of its intensity, the 2017 remains vibrant, fresh and full of energy. (AG) (1/2020)
93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon C.C. Ranch opens with fragrant cassis, black forest cake, kirsch and stewed plums plus wafts of pencil shavings, black olives and iron ore. The palate is medium to full-bodied and firm with nice harmony, softly spoken flavors and a chewy, quietly intense finish. (LPB) (10/2019)
92 points James Suckling - A silky and delicious red with currant, spice, and mineral aromas and flavors. Medium body. Tight and polished. (2/2020)
VINEYARD DESCRIPTION - C.C. Ranch is planted in Rutherford, along the slope of a knoll west of the Silverado Trail. The vineyard grows classic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon on well-drained, gravelly loam soil and receives a variety of exposures, depending on the block and location. The vines are well balanced and the canopy is opened up to give good light exposure. Nickel & Nickel produces wine from 15 select acres of this 115-acre vineyard.
HARVEST NOTES - The year began with a cold and much-needed wet winter, followed by a mild spring. April showers following budbreak resulted in hearty vine growth that only accelerated with the summer sun. The vineyards enjoyed a brief cooling period in August before a final heat spike over Labor Day weekend. The cool weather that immediately followed gave our fruit additional hang-time on the vine continuing phenolic development.
SENSORY EVALUATION - Notes of bright cherry, raspberry and dried herbs waft from the glass with this classic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. The entry is bright and elegant, with seductive flavors of red fruit, tobacco leaf and baking spices coating the tongue. A delicate minerality on the palate creates a finish that lingers well after the last sip.
APPELLATION - Rutherford, Napa Valley
VARIETAL - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
AGING – 16 months in French oak barrels (48% new, 52% once-used)
