One of California's oldest wineries, Far Niente was founded in 1885 by world traveler and entrepreneur, John Benson. The winery flourished until Prohibition, at which time it was abandoned, and fell into complete disrepair.
The stately stone shell of a winery was purchased in 1979 by Gil Nickel, as part of his quest to create a world class wine estate in the Napa Valley. During restoration, the original name, Far Niente, romantically translated to "without a care," was found carved in stone on the front of the building, where it remains to this day. We felt an obligation to preserve the name with the hope that we could recapture a bygone era when life was indeed without a care.
In 1998, Far Niente's link to its past was unearthed in an old Marin County wine cellar with the discovery of a bottle of 1886 Far Niente. This rare find has proven to be the only known bottle from the pre-prohibition years of Far Niente Winery and is reputed to be the oldest bottle of Napa Valley wine in existence today. The detailed pen-and-ink label of grapes in a hammock is significant. It has been attributed to the famous American artist, Winslow Homer, a nephew of John Benson. Since 1979, Far Niente wines carry an intricate 'art nouveau' style parchment label, designed by Marin artist, Tom Rodrigues.
| ws | 93 |
| we | 91 |
Aromas of huckleberry, dark cocoa and chocolate are complemented by a touch of vanillan in the nose. Upon entry, this Cabernet is soft and lush, with a dense mid
palate. Flavors of boysenberry and black fruits are supported by tannins that are chewy, yet smooth and lingering. There is a ... more
BN#149718
Compare to: $489.60 Price:$388.80 $349.90 Save $38.90 (10%) SKUww_100994 |  |
| we | 95 |
| wa | 91 |
Bright with ripe, purple fruits, this wine will impress with complex, layered aromas of black licorice and briar patch. The silky entry progresses along the palate and gives way to dense, velvety chocolate and toast. Full-bodied and concentrated throughout, the wine lingers on with a long, layered finish. more
BN#265672
Compare to: $161.50 Price:$128.25 $113.90 Save $14.35 (11%) SKUww_121068 | |
| ws | 93 |
| we | 92 |
The fruit expression of this wine flows from the glass! Very concentrated aromas of black cherry, plum and huckleberry deepen to black currant, spice, tobacco and dusty, toasted oak. The wine's soft entry on the palate leads to notes of licorice and black fruit, a dense mid palate and a ... more
BN#165502
Compare to: $345.10 Price:$274.05 $249.90 Save $24.15 (9%) SKUww_100995 | |
| we | 92 |
Aromas of very dark fruit, black currant, dark chocolate, dust/earth, vanillan and perfume are layered behind the ripeness. The wine provides a big and full entry, yet the tannins are balanced and have an underlying silkiness. On the palate, ripe cassis and spice mingle with well-integrated oak and evolve into ... more
BN#194775
Compare to: $195.50 Price:$155.25 $138.90 Save $16.35 (11%) SKUww_113608 | |
| we | 96 |
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 entry, and progressing to a full, weighty structure on the palate. The silky tannins are textured ... more
BN#222821
Compare to: $190.40 Price:$151.20 $134.90 Save $16.30 (11%) SKUww_116778 | |
The 2009 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of boysenberry and blackberry pie, tobacco leaf, cassis and toasted oak. The wine is chewy on entry, with black cherry fruit supported by warm, spiced oak. Thick and structured, the wine lingers on the palate with flavors of boysenberry, cherry and spice. ... more
BN#451841
Compare to: $163.20 Price:$129.60 $109.90 Save $19.70 (15%) SKUww_126141 | |
The 1999 Cabernet displays substantial cassis and dark blackberry aromas that are mirrored on the palate with the extra density and depth that come from an excellent vintage and low vineyard production. The lush ripeness marries particularly well with the toasty char of the French oak. This wine has all ... more
BN#201133
Compare to: $231.20 Price:$183.60 $169.95 Save $13.65 (7%) SKUww_100989 | |
The 2000 offers a perfume and bright raspberries up front with complementary layers of cassis and cedary oak. This vintage has produced a soft, supple wine with moderate tannins that will only become more velvety with further bottle aging. more
BN#149570
Compare to: $202.30 Price:$160.65 $144.90 Save $15.75 (10%) SKUww_109759 | |
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.