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Far Niente, one of the earliest stone wineries, derives its name from the Italian phrase “Dolce Far Niente” (how sweet it is to do nothing), was founded in 1885 by John Benson and flourished until the advent of prohibition. Abandoned for over 60 years, the old stone shell of a winery was purchased in 1979 by Gil Nickel.  He started the long process of restoring it as a part of his quest to create a great Napa Valley wine estate.  As the vines and the debris were cleared, he found the original name, Far Niente, carved in stone on the front of the building where it remains to this day.

Far Niente’s quest to produce outstanding wines of distinctive character has led them to a philosophy that requires vineyard ownership. Today, they own 200 acres (3 different vineyard sites) of what many regard as some of the finest vineyard land in the Napa Valley.

Their Stelling Vineyard of 100 acres, is located against the west hills of Oakville, contiguous to the winery, on some of the most beautiful gravelly loam soil in the Napa Valley and is planted to Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc and Merlot grapes. Surrounded by Martha’s Vineyard and Mondavi Reserve, the soils are responsible for Napa Valley’s most beautiful and age-worthy cabernets.

Grapes: 89% Semillon, 11% Sauvignon Blanc

Vinification: Fermented for 3 – 16 weeks. 28 months in 100% new French oak.  Alcohol 13.8% 

Tasting Notes: The Dolce offers aromas of orange rind, crème brulee, and white truffles, flavours of apricots, and figs, and finishes with a hauntingly lengthy and oily texture.  Upon release, Dolce is best characterized by notes of fruit, fruit and more fruit!  Notably reminiscent of stone and citrus fruits, Dolce’s style is driven by the luscious ripeness of California’s sunshine.  In its youth, this liquid gold is forward in its expression of fruity aromas and flavours, but as it ages, an alluring perfume and minerality become important parts of its style. The honeysuckle character commonly associated with Botryisied wine provides for complexity and seduction, as does Dolce’s signature silky texture and long, mouthwatering finish.