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Far Niente Winery Napa Valley Chardonnay 2017
Far Niente makes one of Napa Valley's classic Chardonnays - limited. The Far Niente 2017 Estate Chardonnay Napa Valley offers up a bevy of aromas of melon, hazelnut, citrus, fig and spice are complimented by toasty notes in the nose. The palate offers a full entry with floral notes that lead through layers of fruit that give structure and complexity. The length and balance are impressive as they lead to a mouth watering finish. Far Niente Chardonnay is a careful blend of estate vineyards that grow in the cooler southern areas of the Napa Valley. Once winemaker Stephanie Putnam determined when to pick each block, the grapes were hand picked, sorted, pressed and then the juice was settled. Fermentation in french oak barrels usually lasts about three weeks and then the wine is aged on its yeast for another 8-9 months before the final blend is determined.
Ratings on Delectable
Paul Masson 
Expensive oak, high alcohol
Expensive oak, high alcohol
8.6
Sipping Fine Wine
1 of CA's oldest wineries, Far Niente, founded 1885 by world traveler John Benson. Winery flourished until Prohibition, when it was abandoned & fell into complete disrepair. The 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, melon and citrus flavors, creamy, with toasty oak, fig and honey tones. Long finish ending with vibrant acidity & mineral character. Consistent. Nice! Tasting Sample!
1 of CA's oldest wineries, Far Niente, founded 1885 by world traveler John Benson. Winery flourished until Prohibition, when it was abandoned & fell into complete disrepair. The 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, melon and citrus flavors, creamy, with toasty oak, fig and honey tones. Long finish ending with vibrant acidity & mineral character. Consistent. Nice! Tasting Sample!
9.3
Ron R
On the nose, baked apples and oak. The oak monster is evident on the palate. Neutral oak would have allowed more fruit and secondary flavors to shine thru. Very little acid to talk about, leaves this example presenting as somewhat flabby. This won’t evolve to a better place. Wifey rated this 93pts, but editorial liberties prevail.
On the nose, baked apples and oak. The oak monster is evident on the palate. Neutral oak would have allowed more fruit and secondary flavors to shine thru. Very little acid to talk about, leaves this example presenting as somewhat flabby. This won’t evolve to a better place. Wifey rated this 93pts, but editorial liberties prevail.
8.9Jacqueline Johnson
Pineapple and deliciousness
Pineapple and deliciousness
9.3Sean Christensen
Rich, buttery. Banana, peach, vanilla, even a bit of coconut.
Rich, buttery. Banana, peach, vanilla, even a bit of coconut.
9.1
Teresa S
Lemony briochey vanilla minimal oak citrus on finish. Really well balanced. Surprised and delighted.
Lemony briochey vanilla minimal oak citrus on finish. Really well balanced. Surprised and delighted.
9.0
Ryan Vento
Dinner with friends over cedar plank salmon & grilled vegetables. . Very refreshing, clean, and pure with a defined body full of citrus, tropical fruits, and a mouthwatering minerality and smoothness. Lovely structure; I could drink this all day.
Dinner with friends over cedar plank salmon & grilled vegetables. . Very refreshing, clean, and pure with a defined body full of citrus, tropical fruits, and a mouthwatering minerality and smoothness. Lovely structure; I could drink this all day.
9.2Ron R
This is balanced and clean. A pleasant surprise...
This is balanced and clean. A pleasant surprise...
9.3
James Forsyth
Nice and clean Chardonnay. Good focus. Oak but not overly powerful. Decent. Served at the National Arts Club in NYC.
Nice and clean Chardonnay. Good focus. Oak but not overly powerful. Decent. Served at the National Arts Club in NYC.
8.9
Jeff Orlowski
Soft nose. Full body. Buttery but not overly so. Pears, honeysuckle, and hints of oak. Nearly perfect!
Soft nose. Full body. Buttery but not overly so. Pears, honeysuckle, and hints of oak. Nearly perfect!
9.5
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