Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

1 of CA's oldest wineries, Far Niente, founded 1885 by John Benson. Winery flourished until Prohibition, when it was abandoned & fell into complete disrepair. Stately stone shell of a winery purchased in 1979 by Gil Nickel. A big wine! Tropical and stone fruit aromas with complex spice and oak notes. On the palate apple, peach and citrus flavors, creamy, with buttery toasty oak, fig/honey tones. Long finish ending with vibrant acidity & mineral character. Consistent. — 5 hours ago

Ron R

9.3

See my prior notes. For a gnarly vintage, few complaints here. — a month ago

with Anne-marie

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Mid 20th century fashionable country resort, popular with Hollywood due to 1892 stone Manor House & historic gardens. Blend of Cab Sauv, Merlot, Malbec, rest other Rhone varieties, aged 20 months in 37% new French oak. Dark Ruby, aromas of ripe berry fruits, herbs & spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and black currant with vanilla oak and earthy notes. Well balanced, fine tannins long finish ending with fruit, espresso notes and sweet spice! Nice now and will drink well over next decade. — 2 months ago

Victor Hsu

8.9

Inky and dense, with aromas of violet and dark fruit. Multiple flavors hitting the palate, including blueberry and blackberry with a hint of earth supported by a tannic backbone. Still tight and a bit alcoholic; decanting improved things a bit but needs more time in the bottle. Good but not great. — a month ago

Arturo Rodriguez

9.0

Excellent quality to price ratio!! — 6 days ago

Michael

9.4

Balanced velvety, dark fruits blackberry and cherry. A bit of earthy spice on the base. Very good. — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

A Burgundian-styled Cab Sauv from the one of the most compelling Sub AVA of Napa mountains (Mayacamas) which has an amazing soil and solid influence from the Pacific. Crafted with an amazing balance of 68% Cab Sauv, 20% Merlot, 5% and the rest to round it off its structure and age ability. The 2011 is still climbing to its peak. Enticing notes of dry red fruits on the nose and mouth, delicate, outstandingly silky and nearly perfect balance!
The finish shows its beauty. (if you find it, it won’t disappoint you) it will give the run for the money. — 2 months ago

John Hagood

9.0

Chez Cybulski 4/19/2024, from Wrightsville Beach. Blissful nose carries one to California perfection. — 12 days ago

Tom Casagrande

9.3

This has softened considerably since my last bottle several years ago. Nose is complex, with earth, cedar, cigar box, and an incense-like note. In the mouth, it’s rich but medium-bodied. The tannins that were so prominent a few years ago have significantly resolved. Entering (finally) its drinking window. — 25 days ago

with Angelo

carl thornblade

8.9

Nice but subdued overall. Expected more for the price. — a month ago