Wines Howell Mountain Nickel & Nickel - Beatty Ranch - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Nickel & Nickel’s Beatty Ranch Cuvée 2023 is a striking single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon hailing from the storied Howell Mountain AVA in Napa Valley, California. Crafted exclusively from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown on the Beatty Ranch—a site renowned for its mature vines and rugged terrain—this wine reflects a classic Howell Mountain profile. The 2023 vintage benefits from a season marked by extended sunshine and cool nights, allowing for slow, even ripening. Traditional vinification techniques, including small-lot fermentation and significant time in French oak, enhance the wine’s complexity and elegance. Expect a deep, concentrated ruby color and a bouquet of black cherry, cassis, graphite, and subtle cedar, layered with mountain sage and cocoa nuances. On the palate, the wine balances power and freshness with finely structured tannins, vibrant acidity, and a persistent, mineral-driven finish.

The Howell Mountain AVA, perched on the Vaca Range’s eastern slopes, stands out for its unique terroir. Vineyards sit at elevations above the fog line, giving the grapes more sun exposure and protection from valley floor heat. The rocky, volcanic soils are poor in nutrients but excel at retaining drainage, compelling the vines to root deeply, which results in grapes of exceptional intensity and purity. Since earning AVA status in 1983, Howell Mountain has built a reputation for Cabernet Sauvignons of remarkable structure and longevity—distinct even within Napa’s famed landscape.

For food pairings, this intense, mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon shines alongside robust fare. Consider grilled ribeye steaks with cracked pepper, slow-braised short ribs, or rosemary-crusted lamb. Mushroom risotto with aged Parmesan or a selection of firm, nutty cheeses like aged Gouda also create harmonious matches. To evoke the region’s spirit, try classic Californian cuisine such as wood-fired tri-tip or stuffed Portobello mushrooms.

For ideal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for about an hour will help soften the tannins and reveal its full aromatic spectrum. This wine has excellent aging potential, but its vibrant fruit makes it an enticing choice for more immediate pleasure, offering a true reflection of Howell Mountain’s character.