Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Winery information:
Far Niente, one of the earliest stone wineries, derives its name from the Italian phrase “Dolce Far Niente' (how sweet it is to do nothing). It was founded in 1885 and flourished until prohibition. Abandoned for over 60 years, the winery was purchased in 1979 by Gil Nickel. He started the long process of restoring it. Far Niente's quest to produce outstanding wines of distinctive character has led them to a philosophy that requires vineyard ownership. Today, they own 200 acres (3 different vineyard sites) of what many regard as some of the finest vineyard land in the Napa Valley.
Vinification:
The hand harvested grapes were mostly from the Stelling Vineyard. The winemaker allowed the wine to go through an extended period of maceration to maximise the depth of rich, fruit character. Overall, the wine sat on the skins almost twice as long as the year before. The wine was aged in French oak for 17 months (69% new, 31% once-used).
Tasting Note:
Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of dense, black fruit, anise and blackberries appear up front followed by hints of fruit jam and dark chocolate. In the mouth, this wine unfolds in layers, beginning with a round and supple attack, and progressing to a full, weighty structure on the palate. The silky tannins are textured and coating, producing a wine that is smooth from start to finish.
Awards:
Wine Advocate - 93 points
Additional Resources:
http://www.farniente.com/