Far Niente Winery
Napa Valley Chardonnay
Napa Valley, California, USA
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.
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.
May 1st, 2025Lemon and oak in balance, so best of California style (though not clean and fresh as you find in French style). At 5+ years old, will continue to age well though fine for drinking now. February 2025.
Lemon and oak in balance, so best of California style (though not clean and fresh as you find in French style). At 5+ years old, will continue to age well though fine for drinking now. February 2025.
Feb 4th, 2025
Amazing wine, $50-65. Sweet, high alcohol, big not overwhelming flavor
Amazing wine, $50-65. Sweet, high alcohol, big not overwhelming flavor
Dec 27th, 2021
Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay 2019: Medium-body. Medium acidity. Great balance & structure. This wine offers a fresh floral nose and some really nice strong, full flavors of citrus, lemon zest & stone fruit as well as vanilla, oak & minerals. Elegant dry crisp finish. Overall, an excellent California Chardonnay that never disappoints! Great weekend to all! Cheers🍷
Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay 2019: Medium-body. Medium acidity. Great balance & structure. This wine offers a fresh floral nose and some really nice strong, full flavors of citrus, lemon zest & stone fruit as well as vanilla, oak & minerals. Elegant dry crisp finish. Overall, an excellent California Chardonnay that never disappoints! Great weekend to all! Cheers🍷
Oct 16th, 2021
Crisp, balanced, tasty. Probably a little oakier than the ‘18? Toastier than Rombauer.
Crisp, balanced, tasty. Probably a little oakier than the ‘18? Toastier than Rombauer.
Sep 3rd, 2021
Very good! Lighter and less oaky but still very balanced than the cave collection and older vintages. More acidic in a good way.
Very good! Lighter and less oaky but still very balanced than the cave collection and older vintages. More acidic in a good way.
Jun 26th, 2021
Smoothest Chardonnay I’ve tasted. Buttery and soft.
Smoothest Chardonnay I’ve tasted. Buttery and soft.
Mar 29th, 2020