Founded by John Benson in 1885, Far Niente prospered until the onset of Prohibition in 1919, when the winery ceased operation and the buildings and estate were abandoned. Sixty years later, in 1979, Gil and Beth Nickel purchased the old stone shell of a winery and spent three years restoring the building to its original, 19th century grandeur. During restoration the name, “Far Niente,” which romantically translated means “without a care,” was found carved in stone on the front of the building. In 1998, Far Niente was reunited with its past when a bottle of 1886 Far Niente Sweet Muscat, intact with its original cork, capsule and label, was found in a wine cellar in Marin County, California. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, Far Niente produces critically acclaimed, estate bottled Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines that are renowned for their consistent house style and ability to evolve with extended age.
96 Points Wine Enthusiast
This wine offers grippy tannin and sizable oak. Blueberry, currant, cedar and sage give it an elegance and classic structure of understated power, finishing in notes of tobacco and clove.
95 Points James Suckling
Aromas of dark plums, black olives, bark, dried herbs and cloves. Medium-to full-bodied with powdery tannins. Rich and creamy with chocolate and black fruit on the palate. Chewy finish with excellent length.
94 Points Jeb Dunnuck
Deep ruby-hued, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon has a textbook Cabernet nose of ripe red and black fruits, leafy herbs, tobacco, spicy oak, and loamy earth. Nicely textured on the palate, it shows the supple elegance of the 2019 vintage, has ripe tannins, medium to full body, and outstanding length. It’s a beautifully balanced, classic 2019 to drink any time over the coming 15 to 20 years. The blend is 94% Cabernet, 4% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, aged 17 months in 65% new French oak.