Far Niente, Chardonnay, Napa Valley

Far Niente, in Napa's Oakville, makes two core wines, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The Cabernet is the only wine made from the 57-acre Martin Stelling Vineyard, whose plantings include the Stelling clone, a selection Gil Nickel made within it, and the Disney-Silverado clone; the house style pairs dark fruit with a velvety texture and silky tannins. Benson Vale, launched with the 2021 vintage, draws on the best Stelling blocks, and Cave Collection wines are re-released after extra bottle age. The Chardonnay, from Coombsville vineyards such as Barrow Lane and John's Creek, skips malolactic fermentation and rests on lees in French oak (45% new in 2023), pairing crisp acidity with a creamy feel.

Appellation

Oakville, Napa Valley

Owner

Far Niente Wine Estates (GI Partners majority stake since 2016)

Vineyards

Martin Stelling Vineyard (57 acres, Oakville); Coombsville Chardonnay sites

Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay

Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, Benson Vale, Cave Collection, Estate Chardonnay

Style

Chardonnay without malolactic, aged on lees in French oak

Sources: winewithseth.com, pleasethepalate.com, Wikipedia