Far Niente 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Far Niente 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Another outstanding Cab from Far Niente!
Another outstanding Cab from Far Niente!
Far Niente Winery was established in 1885 by John Benson, a forty-niner of the California gold rush and uncle of the famous American impressionist painter, Winslow Homer. Benson hired architect Hamden McIntyre, creator of the former Christian Brothers winery—now the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone—to design the building. Constructed against a hillside in western Oakville, Far Niente functioned as a gravity flow winery, gently moving the grapes through each stage of production.
In 1979, Gil Nickel purchased the winery and adjacent vineyard and began a three-year restoration of the property, which resulted in placement on the National Register of Historical Places. During restoration, the original name, Far Niente, from an Italian phrase that romantically translated means “without a care,” was found carved in stone on the front of the building where it remains to this day. Today, the winery continues to focus on producing only the two varietal wines.
James Suckling scored this 96 points saying "Very precisely polished and focused wine with aromas of black cherries, blue berries and violets followed by green bell pepper, black ink and gravel. Underlying umami notes, too. Full-bodied, firm yet finely grained juicy tannins with bright acidity that balances out the palate. Beautifully integrated toasty notes and baking spices on the mid-palate and in the finish. Flourishing and artful wine that will age gracefully."
Jeb Dunnuck scored this 94 points saying "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley checks in as 88% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, aged 17 months in 62% new French oak. Its deep purple hue is followed by a rich, inward, nicely concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon that has both red and black fruits, some spicy, chocolaty, herbal, and tobacco nuances, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and a beautiful finish. It's not massive by any means, but it s beautifully balanced and has a layered mouthfeel along with rock-solid depth and character. Give bottles 2-3 years if you can and enjoy over the following 15."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave this 92 points saying "Generous scents of ripe cherries emerge on the nose of the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, joined by hints of cedar, vanilla, dried herbs and some darker berries. Full-bodied and velvety in texture, it's a fine representation of Napa Valley Cabernet; it's just lacking the extra depth and complexity to elevate it to the absolute top rank."