The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Branding Iron Vineyard is one of the more brooding wines in this lineup. Iron, dark cherries, tobacco and incense are some of the nuances that emerge from this taut, structured Cabernet Sauvignon. It shows terrific length and follow-through to the virile, potent finish. This is a decidedly focused, structured wine that needs time for the tannins to start melting away. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028. Tel. (707) 967-9600

This 100% Cabernet is the ripest and sweetest of the winery’s 2008 offerings, but it still shows the tannins that are Nickel & Nickel’s mark. The vineyard is in west Oakville, and offers that region’s superbly lush, delicious blackberry, blueberry and cherry flavors. Those tannins, while firm, are sweetly ripe, giving the wine an oxymoronic soft toughness.——S.H.(11/1/2011)—— 92