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. Winery's note: "The home vineyard of Nickel & Nickel, Sullenger Vineyard is situated behind the winery in the heart of Oakville and is named for John C. Sullenger, who settled the farmstead in the 1880s. The vineyard's 30 acres of clay loam soil are planted exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2011 John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet offers complex aromas and flavors of plum and black cherry fruits, tobacco, earth, cedar and dried herb. Warm, toasty oak flavors complement the fruit on the middle palate, while polished tannins enhance the texture and build toward a lengthy finish."