Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

1 of CA's oldest wineries, Far Niente, founded 1885 by John Benson. Winery flourished until Prohibition, when it was abandoned & fell into complete disrepair. Stately stone shell of a winery purchased in 1979 by Gil Nickel. A big wine! Tropical and stone fruit aromas with complex spice and oak notes. On the palate apple, peach and citrus flavors, creamy, with buttery toasty oak, fig/honey tones. Long finish ending with vibrant acidity & mineral character. Consistent. — 6 days ago

Victor Hsu

8.9

Inky and dense, with aromas of violet and dark fruit. Multiple flavors hitting the palate, including blueberry and blackberry with a hint of earth supported by a tannic backbone. Still tight and a bit alcoholic; decanting improved things a bit but needs more time in the bottle. Good but not great. — 2 months ago

Tom Casagrande

9.3

This has softened considerably since my last bottle several years ago. Nose is complex, with earth, cedar, cigar box, and an incense-like note. In the mouth, it’s rich but medium-bodied. The tannins that were so prominent a few years ago have significantly resolved. Entering (finally) its drinking window. — a month ago

with Angelo

Andrea Watt

9.3

Drank this from a magnum at a paired dinner. Smooth and rich with lemon, pear, and a touch of brioche and jasmine. Round and warm. — 16 days ago

Erica Gamble

8.9

After breathing, smooth with some body but a little more tart than we prefer for a cab. — 3 days ago

Arturo Rodriguez

9.0

Excellent quality to price ratio!! — 12 days ago

Andrea Watt

9.2

Plum, cedar, cocoa, and earthy black pepper. Rich and bold. — 16 days ago

Andrea Watt

9.1

Earthy and bold with clove and cherry over leather and anise. Rich and big. — 20 days ago

Benjamin Hickey

8.9

Big but still pretty restrainted. — 7 days ago

Nagib Nasr

9.2

Great as always — 8 hours ago

with Tripp