Nickel & Nickel was begun in Oakville in 1997 by the owners of Far Niente (the similarity of their label is hard to miss). In contrast to Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel is dedicated to producing single-varietal wines from distinct individual vineyards. Each vineyard is farmed and vinified to best illustrate its unique site. In turn, some vineyards are not far apart in distance, but the wines are very different in character. The Sullenger vineyard is the home vineyard for the winery in Oakville and was planted in 1989 and 2003 to 30 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 vintage was harvested in early October and spent 16 months in 46% new French oak. From the winery: "This wine focuses on ripe fruit flavors of plum and cherry with hints of blackberry, deepening its flavor and complexity. Notes of coffee and herb, coupled with sweet, toasty oak, add to the finish. There is considerable volume in this wine, combined with graceful tannins."