2010 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay

About This Wine

“Without a care.” That’s how Far Niente translates from Italian.

And it describes the feeling you’ll have when sipping the wines of Far Niente, a Napa Valley estate that dates back to 1885. It was founded by John Benson, a “forty-niner” of the California Gold Rush and uncle of American impressionist painter Winslow Homer.

Benson hired architect Hamden McIntyre, creator of the Christian Brothers winery, to design the building. Constructed against a hillside in western Oakville, Far Niente prospered until the onset of Prohibition in 1919, when it was abandoned and left to fall into disrepair.

Sixty years later, in 1979, Gil Nickel purchased the winery and adjacent vineyard, and began a three-year restoration of the property. During restoration, the original name was found carved in stone on the front of the building — where it remains to this day. The 2010 Chardonnay is a delicious addition to Far Niente’s fascinating history.

About Chardonnay

Relatively easy to grow in a variety of locations. Consistently produces some of the world's great white wines. Complex, full, rich and fruity with soft edges and moderate acidity. Offers rich and intense fruit flavors of apple, fig, melon, pear, peach, pineapple, along with creamy yeast spice, honey, butter and hazelnut flavors.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:100% Chardonnay
• Grape Source:Select Vineyards in Napa Valley, California
• Aromas & Flavors:Meyer Lemon, Toasted Nuts, Fig, Honeysuckle, Citrus, Melon & Minerals
• Aging Vessels:French Oak Barrels (61% First Use) for 10 Months
• When to Drink:Now Through 2015
• Food Pairing Suggestionhalibut with a macadamia nut crust.

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