Far Niente Dolce 2017

Region and Vineyards

The Dolce vineyards are located in Coombsville, a cool-climate region nestled at the base of the Vaca Mountains, east of the city of Napa. This area benefits from volcanic soils that are loose and well-draining, perfect for cultivating Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. The unique topography allows the vineyards to experience lingering morning fog, which is crucial for the development of Botrytis cinerea, also known as "noble rot." This mold concentrates the sugars in the grapes, enhancing the flavors and creating the rich, sweet profile characteristic of Dolce.

The region’s high humidity during autumn, followed by dry conditions, fosters the growth of Botrytis, although it occurs sporadically, affecting individual berries at different rates. This natural variability contributes to the complexity and depth of the wine, as only the most perfectly botrytized grapes are selected during the harvest.

Winemaking

The Dolce is a blend of 90% Semillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, harvested late in the season. The botrytized grapes were meticulously selected, often berry by berry, to ensure the highest quality. The fermentation process, which took 1 to 2 months, allowed the wine to develop its signature sweetness and complex flavors.

After fermentation, the wine was aged for 28 months in 100% new French oak barrels, which adds layers of vanilla and spice to the wine’s rich fruit profile. The residual sugar content at bottling was 15.0º Brix, resulting in a lusciously sweet but balanced dessert wine.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: The nose is fresh and enticing, with aromas of orange, lime, and apricot, accompanied by delicate floral notes of honeysuckle.
• Palate: The wine lands on the palate with a creamy texture and a pleasing thickness that coats the mouth. Flavors of citrus, particularly key lime pie, are complemented by hints of bakery spices and a mouthwatering acidity that lingers.
• Finish: The finish is long and luxurious, with the vibrant citrus flavors and creamy texture persisting alongside subtle spice notes.

Did you know?

Far Niente Dolce is often referred to as “liquid gold”, a testament to its luxurious nature and the painstaking efforts that go into producing each vintage. The development of Botrytis cinerea, the noble rot, requires precise weather conditions, making each vintage unique and a prized example of Napa Valley’s ability to produce world-class dessert wines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Blue cheese: The salty, pungent flavors of blue cheese create a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of Dolce, balancing the palate with rich, contrasting flavors.
• Fruit tarts: A citrus or stone fruit tart enhances the natural fruitiness and acidity of the wine, creating a harmonious and refreshing dessert pairing.
• Crème brûlée: The creamy texture and caramelized top of crème brûlée pair beautifully with the wine's creamy mouthfeel and citrus-driven profile.

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.