Far Niente : Estate Bottled Chardonnay 2023

Tasting notes and serving suggestions for Far Niente Estate Bottled Chardonnay 2023

Tasting

Nose

The bouquet reveals an elegant aromatic range of citrus fruits and white flowers, enhanced by delicate notes of honeydew melon and nectarine. Nuances of orange blossom and ginger accompany fleshy expressions of ripe melon, peach, apricot, and fresh lemon.

Palate

The silky texture coats the palate with dazzling freshness. Juicy, fleshy flavors unfold with vibrancy, revealing notes of lemon zest and lemon verbena. The finish lingers, generous and succulent.

Food and wine pairings

This Chardonnay pairs harmoniously with seafood such as oysters, lobster, and crab. It also matches well with poultry, toasted nuts, and grilled vegetables. Fresh and aged cheeses like goat cheese or Brie make excellent pairings, as do dishes featuring mushrooms, truffle, pork, or creamy preparations.

A Napa Valley Chardonnay with refined aromas and a silky texture

The estate

Founded in 1885 in Oakville in the Napa Valley, Far Niente was reborn in 1979 under the impetus of Gil Nickel and his brother John, who restored this historic estate, abandoned since Prohibition. The 216-acre estate stands out for its iconic architecture by Hamden McIntyre and its Gothic-inspired underground cellars. A family-owned property run by the Nickel family, Far Niente produces exclusively estate-bottled Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, renowned for their distinctive style and exceptional aging potential.

The vineyard

The grapes for this cuvée come from the Carneros and Coombsville appellations in the Napa Valley. Carneros’ cool maritime climate brings freshness and vibrancy, while Coombsville’s soils—composed of gravelly loam and volcanic ash—lend complexity and minerality to the wine.

The vintage

Winter and early spring 2023 were marked by cold, wet conditions, resulting in late budbreak. The season’s coolness persisted through harvest, allowing for optimal preservation of the grapes’ acidity.

Winemaking and aging

Far Niente Estate Bottled Chardonnay 2023 is vinified 89% in French oak barrels and 11% in tank, with no malolactic fermentation. Aging takes place on fine lees in medium-toast French oak barrels, 45% new oak and 55% once-used barrels. This approach builds the aromatic complexity of this California wine while preserving the fruit’s natural freshness.

Grape variety

Chardonnay (100%).