Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from a selection of prestigious vineyard sites spread across Calistoga, Oak Knoll, St. Helena, Stags Leap, Diamond Mountain, and Yountville, which complement the estate vineyards in Oakville. This combination of diverse microclimates and soil types has enabled Far Niente to produce a wine that embodies the hallmark style of Napa Valley Cabernet.

Calistoga and Diamond Mountain bring power and structure to the wine, thanks to their volcanic soils and warmer climates, while the cooler regions like Oak Knoll and Stags Leap contribute elegance, balance, and refined acidity. These vineyards are meticulously managed to ensure that only the highest quality fruit is harvested, creating a wine with both depth and complexity. The 2019 vintage, in particular, benefited from late spring rains, which enriched the soil and resulted in smaller, highly concentrated grape clusters. The mild fall temperatures allowed the fruit to mature fully while retaining freshness and avoiding over-ripeness, resulting in a truly exceptional vintage.

Winemaking

This vintage of Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, a combination that adds complexity and elegance to the final wine. After harvest, the grapes underwent 12 days of skin contact, which extracted deep color and robust tannins. The wine was then aged for 17 months in French oak barrels, of which 65% were new and 35% once-used. This careful use of oak adds layers of vanilla, spice, and subtle toastiness without overpowering the rich fruit character.

The winemaking team, led by Nicole Marchesi and Andrew Delos, is known for their expertise in creating balanced and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon. Their attention to detail ensures that the wine maintains its signature freshness and structure, allowing it to develop gracefully over time.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: The nose reveals a complex bouquet of mixed berries, intertwined with notes of baking spice, dried lavender, and a hint of thyme.
• Palate: The palate is rich and expansive, with flavors of ripe mixed berries, black tea, and toasted oak, supported by fine-grained tannins that give the wine structure and depth.
• Finish: The finish is long, silky, and lifted, with a refreshing balance of fruit, spice, and tannins that promises excellent aging potential.

Did you know?

Far Niente has been crafting Cabernet Sauvignon since its very first vintage in 1982. The 2019 vintage marks nearly four decades of mastery in the Napa Valley, solidifying its reputation as one of the region's most iconic producers of this varietal.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled ribeye steak: The robust tannins and ripe fruit of the wine pair perfectly with the rich flavors and marbling of a grilled ribeye.
• Braised lamb shanks: The savory depth of lamb is enhanced by the wine’s dark fruit and herbaceous notes.
• Mushroom risotto: The wine’s earthy black tea and berry flavors complement the umami richness of mushrooms.
• Aged cheddar: The complexity of the wine is a great match for the sharp, nutty flavors of aged cheddar.

History of Far Niente Estate:

Far Niente’s roots date back to 1885, when John Benson established the estate in Oakville. The name “Far Niente” is derived from the Italian phrase meaning “the sweetness of doing nothing,” a philosophy reflecting the art of living in the moment. Designed by Hamden McIntyre, the winery was a gravity-flow structure, innovative for its time.

The winery thrived until Prohibition in 1919, when it was abandoned and left untouched for more than six decades. In 1979, the Nickel family purchased and painstakingly restored the estate, reviving its original 19th-century charm. Winemaking resumed in 1982, when Far Niente produced its first Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Since then, it has become a standard-bearer for Napa Valley wines, under the leadership of winemaker Nicole Marchesi, one of Napa’s most acclaimed winemakers.

Region and Vineyards:

Far Niente’s vineyards are situated in Oakville, one of Napa Valley’s premier appellations, known for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. The Martin Stelling Vineyard, located in the western Oakville bench, is the cornerstone of Far Niente’s Cabernet program. This vineyard is famous for producing structured, balanced, and age-worthy Cabernets, thanks to its gravelly loam soils and perfect microclimate.

For Chardonnay, Far Niente sources grapes from Coombsville, a cool-climate region in Napa Valley. The Coombsville vineyards are known for their volcanic ash and gravelly soils, which impart minerality and freshness to the wines. The cool fog influence from nearby San Pablo Bay ensures slow ripening, allowing the Chardonnay grapes to develop complexity while maintaining vibrant acidity.

Wine Range:

Far Niente produces a range of finely crafted wines, focusing exclusively on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay:

• Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich and elegant, with deep fruit flavors and long aging potential.
• Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon: A wine that showcases the unique terroir of Oakville with a balance of power and finesse.
• Benson Vale Cabernet Sauvignon: A single-vineyard expression, highlighting the best of the estate’s vineyard holdings.
• Napa Valley Chardonnay: Known for its crisp acidity and bright fruit, with a creamy texture from oak aging.
• Coombsville Chardonnay: Expresses the minerality and complexity of the Coombsville terroir, with notes of citrus, stone fruit, and a lingering finish.

Far Niente Wine Estates:

In addition to the flagship Far Niente Winery, the Far Niente Wine Estates family includes several prestigious wineries, each specializing in different grape varieties and styles:

• Nickel & Nickel: Established to craft single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines, Nickel & Nickel focuses on showcasing the unique character of individual Napa Valley vineyards. Each wine is an expression of its specific site, with a focus on purity of fruit and terroir-driven character.

• Bella Union: Located in Rutherford, Bella Union specializes in Cabernet blends, creating harmonious wines that bring together different vineyard sites and varieties. The wines are approachable in their youth, yet age-worthy, reflecting the classic structure of Napa Valley Cabernet.

• Post & Beam: Inspired by the simple, rustic beauty of America’s post-and-beam barns, Post & Beam is dedicated to crafting classic and timeless wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. These wines emphasize elegance, drinkability, and the pure expression of their varietals.

• EnRoute: A winery located in the Russian River Valley, EnRoute focuses on producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With a commitment to precision winemaking and vineyard management, EnRoute crafts wines that express the unique characteristics of this cool-climate region, known for its fog-laden mornings and ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir.

• Dolce: Known as America’s leading late-harvest dessert wine, Dolce produces a rare and luxurious Botrytised Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc blend. Often compared to the great sweet wines of Sauternes, Dolce is a highly regarded wine with flavors of honey, apricot, and tropical fruits, balanced by refreshing acidity.

Did you know?

The original Far Niente estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its significance in the history of Napa Valley winemaking. Additionally, Far Niente is a leader in sustainable farming practices, including solar energy and water conservation, making it a pioneer in environmental stewardship in the wine industry.