Dolce, Napa Valley, Far Niente 2019 (37.5cl)
Mix any six bottles and you pay the Any 6+ price at checkout — no code needed.
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Why this wine
America's most serious attempt at Sauternes — botrytised Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, made only in years the fungus cooperates. Honeyed and viscous, cut by acidity. A dessert wine that justifies its price.
At a glance
- Grape
- Semillon 88%, Sauvignon Blanc 12%
- Region
- California, USA
- Alcohol
- 13.50%
- Body
- Full
- Acidity
- Medium
- Tannins
- Low
- Sweetness
- Sweet
- Drink
- Exceptional Longevity (15-50+ Years)
- Pairs with
- Cheese, Rich & Creamy Dishes
How it tastes
Apricot, pear and caramelised orange with honeysuckle, allspice and vanilla, then crème brûlée and bread pudding. Lusciously sweet and unctuous through the middle, silky on entry and clean and mouth-watering at the finish. Semillon 88%, Sauvignon Blanc 12%. Half bottle, 37.5cl.
The producer
Far Niente was founded in 1885, abandoned through Prohibition and for sixty years after, and restored from 1979 by Gil Nickel; the name comes from "dolce far niente", how sweet it is to do nothing. Dolce is its dessert wine, from eight hectares at Coombsville, east of the city of Napa, at the foot of the Vaca mountains on loose, well-drained volcanic soil. The west-facing vineyard is sheltered from the wind so the autumn morning fog lingers until midday, encouraging — but never guaranteeing — the noble rot that shrivels the berries one by one. Winemaker Greg Allen selected the fruit in ten separate batches, fermented each in new French oak over one to two months, and aged the wine 28 months in 100% new French oak.
Food and drinking
Good with tarte tatin, crème brûlée, blue cheese, foie gras or on its own. Drinking beautifully now and will age for two decades. Serve at 8–10°C. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.