Nikiara is Le Vigne’s flagship wine, whose namesake is a combination of names “Niki” and “Kiara”, the two children of Owners Walter and Sylvia Filippini. This blend showcases the influence of Paso Robles terroir on the renowned structure and flavor of its constituent Bordeaux varieties. Structural tannins are ample, yet surprisingly smooth in the wine’s youth, due to the strong diurnal temperature swing at our Acquarello estate vineyard where this blend was grown.

The Acquarello Vineyard is northeast of the winery, just below the coastal range foot lands. Acquarello translates from Italian to “watercolor”, named for the influence of the river across the landscape as it paints itself into the terrain. With 33 acres planted, this vineyard is home to our youngest plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Petit Verdot. Located on the south bank of the Estrella river, vines are treated to a northward slope and morning sun with cool air temperatures for most of the year. As the growing season progresses, the intense sunlight warms the vines rapidly and brings the fruit to maturity well before cool weather returns to the vineyard.

On the nose hints of black currant and blueberry lead into cedar, cardamom, and turmeric aromas. A full-bodied mouthfeel that has rich fruit notes of fresh black cherry and plum that finish with pistachio and baking spice flavors. Enjoy with a grilled rack of lamb.