Far Niente Winery

Napa Valley Chardonnay

9.271 ratings
9.07 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
Sipping Fine Wine

One of CA's oldest wineries, Far Niente, founded in 1885 by world traveler John Benson. The winery flourished until Prohibition, at which time it was abandoned and fell into complete disrepair. The stately stone shell of a winery was purchased in 1979 by Gil Nickel. Tropical and stone fruit aromas with complex spice and oak notes. On the palate apple, melon and citrus flavors, creamy, with toasty oak, fig and honey tones. Lingering finish ending with vibrant acidity & mineral character. Consistent. Nice!

One of CA's oldest wineries, Far Niente, founded in 1885 by world traveler John Benson. The winery flourished until Prohibition, at which time it was abandoned and fell into complete disrepair. The stately stone shell of a winery was purchased in 1979 by Gil Nickel. Tropical and stone fruit aromas with complex spice and oak notes. On the palate apple, melon and citrus flavors, creamy, with toasty oak, fig and honey tones. Lingering finish ending with vibrant acidity & mineral character. Consistent. Nice!

2 people found it helpfulOct 3rd, 2018
Jack Thompson

Honey, bruised apple and pear on the nose. Wonderfully balanced palate.

Honey, bruised apple and pear on the nose. Wonderfully balanced palate.

1 person found it helpfulJun 13th, 2018
Severn Goodwin

Meh, 30th anniversary party for my Company tonight, this was the best offering.

Meh, 30th anniversary party for my Company tonight, this was the best offering.

1 person found it helpfulOct 20th, 2017
Shay A
9.0

Enjoyable tasting event with Far Niente wines tonight. I've had a few Nickel & Nickel, but never any of Far Niente's own wines.

This probably needs a bit more bottle age. I was somewhat underwhelmed. Knowing the name, I expected a certain experience that never arrived. Still, whether it be my preference in style or this needing more time, it was by no means terrible. Very light...no butter bomb here. More texture than I expected on the palate which was nice. Honey and breadcrumbs on the finish.

Enjoyable tasting event with Far Niente wines tonight. I've had a few Nickel & Nickel, but never any of Far Niente's own wines.

This probably needs a bit more bottle age. I was somewhat underwhelmed. Knowing the name, I expected a certain experience that never arrived. Still, whether it be my preference in style or this needing more time, it was by no means terrible. Very light...no butter bomb here. More texture than I expected on the palate which was nice. Honey and breadcrumbs on the finish.

1 person found it helpfulMay 24th, 2017
Whitney Bouck

Always luscious!

Always luscious!

1 person found it helpfulDec 12th, 2015
Nathan Renfro

Honey, pear, apple, citrus on the nose. Smooth. Crisp apples, honey seeetness, pear, light citrus. Nice lingering finish. 2014 drinking perfect.

Honey, pear, apple, citrus on the nose. Smooth. Crisp apples, honey seeetness, pear, light citrus. Nice lingering finish. 2014 drinking perfect.

Sep 18th, 2021
Vicky Chen Keke

Surprisingly good. Right amount of acidity and sweetness. Apricot nose

Surprisingly good. Right amount of acidity and sweetness. Apricot nose

Dec 25th, 2017
Robert Evans Jr

Giants-Cowboys & JD’s Birthday

Giants-Cowboys & JD’s Birthday

Dec 10th, 2017
Stephen Pierron

Great acidity and well balanced! Brings back memories of being at Far Niente this past May and proposing to my fiancé 😊 . Far Niente's Chardonnay is definitely in my top 5 best Chards from Napa Valley.

Great acidity and well balanced! Brings back memories of being at Far Niente this past May and proposing to my fiancé 😊 . Far Niente's Chardonnay is definitely in my top 5 best Chards from Napa Valley.

Oct 1st, 2017
Manjiry Tamhane

2014 tasted softer than 2015. very citrus

2014 tasted softer than 2015. very citrus

Apr 24th, 2017