Far Niente Estate Bottled (2017)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich and full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon blend with layers of dark fruit, chocolate, and well-integrated oak.
About this wine
The 2017 Far Niente Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville offers a rich and full-bodied experience, showcasing a blend of 95.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.25% Petit Verdot, and 0.25% Malbec. On the nose, it presents pronounced aromas of black currant pastilles, black cherry compote, and red currant preserves, complemented by subtle notes of dried herbs, unsmoked cigars, and cedar. The palate is medium to full-bodied, featuring a firm texture of grainy tannins and a refreshing acidity that supports the muscular black fruit flavors, leading to a finish with an herbal lift. This wine is crafted from the Martin Stelling Vineyard, located behind the winery in Oakville, known for its gravelly loam soil that contributes to the wine's supple tannins and bright, forward fruit. Aged for 17 months in French oak barrels, with 68% new and 32% once-used, the oak influence is well-integrated, adding structure and support to the ripe fruit flavors.
About the grape
The 2017 Far Niente Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville is primarily composed of 95.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, with small additions of 3.25% Petit Verdot and 0.25% Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in Oakville's gravelly loam soils, producing wines with bright fruit flavors and structured tannins. Petit Verdot, though traditionally a minor blending grape, adds depth and color, while Malbec contributes to the wine's complexity. The Martin Stelling Vineyard, located behind the winery, serves as the cornerstone for this blend, consistently yielding high-quality fruit.
Quick facts
- 🏛️ Far Niente Winery, established in 1885 by John Benson, was designed by architect Hamden McIntyre, known for creating gravity-flow wineries that utilize gravity to move wine through production stages, minimizing handling and preserving quality.
- 🍷 The winery's name, 'Far Niente,' is derived from the Italian phrase 'dolce far niente,' meaning 'the sweetness of doing nothing,' reflecting a philosophy of enjoying life's pleasures.
- 🍇 The 2017 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon is primarily sourced from the Martin Stelling Vineyard in Oakville, a region renowned for producing some of Napa Valley's most esteemed Cabernet Sauvignons.
- 🧪 This vintage is a blend of 95.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.25% Petit Verdot, and 0.25% Malbec, showcasing the winery's dedication to crafting complex and balanced wines.
- 🏅 The 2017 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon received a 94-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, highlighting its quality and appeal among wine critics.
Palate profile
Producer
Far Niente Winery, established in 1885 by John Benson in Oakville, California, is one of Napa Valley's oldest wineries. The name, meaning "without a care" in Italian, reflects Benson's vision of creating a serene winemaking estate. The winery ceased operations during Prohibition in 1919 and remained dormant until 1979, when Gil Nickel purchased and meticulously restored the property, including its historic stone building and wine caves. Today, Far Niente is renowned for producing exceptional Napa Valley Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, maintaining a legacy of quality and elegance.
