Description

PRODUCER:
One of the classic wineries of the Napa Valley, Far Niente 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 the advent of prohibition. Abandoned for over 60 years, the winery was purchased in 1979 by Gil Nickel, who started the long process of restoring it. Today, they own 80 hectares of vineyard, across three different sites, of what many consider to be some of the finest viticultural land in the Napa Valley. Since restoration, Far Niente has been dedicated to the production of the finest Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon and worldwide demand always exceeds supply.

VINEYARD:
Dolce’s eight hectares of vineyard are located in Coombsville, east of the city of Napa, and are situated at the base of the Vaca Mountains, which define the eastern border of the valley. The volcanic soil is loose and well drained, and the west-facing vineyard is protected from the prevailing winds so that the damp, morning fog of autumn (a very important factor in the development of Botrytis cinerea) hangs longer amongst the vines, often until midday. A combination of high humidity followed by drying conditions encourages, but does not guarantee, the growth of Botrytis. As it develops, its coverage is seemingly random with individual berries succumbing to Botrytis at different rates, if at all.

WINEMAKING:
The Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes were carefully selected to ensure only the top-quality fruit was vinified. 10 unique batches were vinified; fermentation took place under temperature-controlled conditions in new French oak barrels, with selected yeasts and lasted from one to two months. The wine then spent 28 months in 100% new French oak, adding a delicious complexity to the blend.

TASTING NOTE:
A lusciously rich and sweet wine with aromas of apricot and pear and layered with honeysuckle, allspice, and vanilla. Ripe fruit flavours are complemented by notes of crème brulée and bread pudding, with a silky entry, an unctuous and balanced midpalate through to a mouth-watering, clean finish.

GRAPES:
Sauvignon Blanc 12%, Semillon 88%.