Far Niente Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Region and Vineyards

The 2022 Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from prime vineyard sites throughout Napa Valley, including the southern areas of Pope Valley and Oak Knoll. These regions offer varying climates and soils, contributing to the complexity of the wine. Pope Valley brings ripeness and concentration, particularly from the early-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which were harvested after a heat spike in early September. The cooler regions, such as Oak Knoll, allowed the grapes to mature more slowly, developing deeper phenolics and complexity as the season extended into October.

The growing season began with early budbreak and continued with a mild summer. A significant Labor Day heat spike accelerated the ripening process, leading to early harvesting of some varietals. This heat was followed by cooler conditions, which allowed for extended hang time for the later-harvested fruit, resulting in bold flavors and well-developed tannins.

Winemaking

The Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. This careful selection of varietals adds complexity and structure to the wine. After harvest, the wine was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, with 30% new oak used to impart subtle vanilla and spice flavors without overwhelming the fruit.

The winemaking philosophy of Post & Beam is centered around creating pure, elegant expressions of Napa Valley fruit. The oak treatment is restrained to allow the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through, resulting in a wine that is approachable and balanced.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Seductive aromas of briar patch and plum sauce greet the nose, offering a rich, fruit-forward profile with subtle earthy undertones.
• Palate: The palate is round and textured, with layers of cassis and blackberry. The well-structured body delivers richness while maintaining elegance.
• Finish: The finish is long and smooth, with flavors of vanilla, mocha, and cocoa, complemented by resolved tannins that add depth and complexity.

Did you know?

The name Post & Beam is inspired by the simple yet enduring architecture of barns found across the American landscape. Like these structures, the wines of Post & Beam are crafted with a focus on purity, tradition, and elegance, reflecting the essence of the Napa Valley terroir without unnecessary complexity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb chops: The rich, savory flavors of lamb complement the dark fruit and mocha notes of the wine.
• Beef tenderloin: The wine's smooth tannins and cassis flavors enhance the tenderness and richness of the beef.
• Mushroom risotto: The earthiness of mushrooms pairs beautifully with the wine’s briar and cocoa notes, creating a harmonious balance.

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.