4.5 Vivino Stars (150+ Reviews)

Far Niente Is One of Napa Valley’s Oldest and Most Iconic Wine Estates. It Was Prosperous Until Prohibition Shuttered It. 60 Years Later, It Would Be Gil and Beth Nickel Who Swooped in, Bought the Estate and Set About Reviving and Revive They Did.

Combining select vineyards in Rutherford, Calistoga and St. Helena that complement their home estate in Oakville, the finished result embodies their famed style while also showcasing the best Napa Valley has to offer. Cabernet has been a hallmark of Far Niente’s winemaking program beginning with its very first vintage in 1982, and the marriage of these diverse vineyard sites has allowed them to craft an expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that is truly their own. This wine exemplifies nearly four decades of mastery in growing and family legacy. When you drink Far Niente, you drink the history of Napa Valley with every sip.

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points
This memorable Cabernet Sauvignon has small amounts of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec blended in. Aged 17 months in a majority of new French oak, it unfurls flavors of red fruit, dried herb and clove over a core of youthful tannin and spicy oak. Best from 2028–2038. Cellar Selection.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
Including small amounts of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a deep purple color as well as classic Cabernet notes of blackcurrants, new leather, tobacco leaf, flowers, and lead pencil. Beautifully done on the palate and made in a seamless, elegant style, it has a kiss of Pauillac in its nicely integrated acidity, ripe, building tannins, a touch of earthiness, and a great finish. It’s not a blockbuster, just seamless and elegant, with a thrilling character. It should keep for 20+ years.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 94 Points
Composed of 93.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.8% Petit Verdot, 2.3% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Merlot and 0.1% Malbec, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Bottled was aged for 17 months in French oak, 65% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with notes of stewed plums, warm cassis and black raspberries with touches of pencil shavings, dried Provence herbs and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a real skip in its step, featuring bright, crunchy black and red fruits and a soft texture, finishing lively.