2019, Far Niente 'Dolce' Napa Valley
Mix any six bottles and 15% comes off at checkout — no code needed.
At a glance
- Grape
- Semillon 88%, Sauvignon Blanc 12%
- Region
- Napa Valley, USA
- Alcohol
- 14.00%
- Body
- Full
- Acidity
- Medium
- Tannins
- Low
- Sweetness
- Sweet
- Drink
- Long (10-20 yrs)
- Pairs with
- Cheese, Dessert
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.
Our advantages:
Description
How it tastes
Lusciously rich and elegant, showing layers of ripe tropical fruit, caramelised apricot, and orange peel wrapped in honeyed spice and creamy texture, leading to a long, clean finish. Complex bouquet of apricot, pear, honeysuckle, vanilla, and allspice with underlying crème brûlee and bread pudding notes. Opulent and unctuous, combining ripe tropical fruit and caramelised citrus with honey, vanilla, and spice. The silky texture and refreshing acidity provide balance and length through to a clean, mouth-watering finish.
The producer
Founded in 1885, Far Niente is one of Napa Valley's great historic estates. Its name comes from the Italian phrase *“Dolce Far Niente”* — “how sweet it is to do nothing.” Abandoned during Prohibition, the winery was restored in 1979 by Gil Nickel, who revitalised its legacy and developed 80 hectares across three vineyard sites. Far Niente is renowned for crafting benchmark Napa Valley Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and its acclaimed late-harvest sweet wine, *Dolce*. Today, it remains one of California's most prestigious producers, blending innovation with meticulous tradition. Only top-quality fruit was selected and divided into 10 unique batches for vinification. Fermentation occurred in temperature-controlled French oak barrels with selected yeasts, lasting one to two months. The wine was then aged for 28 months in 100% new French oak, developing a rich texture, caramelised depth, and vibrant aromatics.
Food and drinking
Good with cheese and dessert. Drinking well now, with a decade or more ahead of it. Serve at 10–12°C.
Contains sulphites. Information correct to the best of our knowledge at time of publication and subject to change by vintage.