Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black cherry, black tea, and tobacco. In the mouth, suede-like tannins wrap around a core of bright cherry fruit that has an angular quality. Flavors of cherry, tobacco, and tea mix with darker earth notes and only the barest hint of oak.

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.