Oakville
2018 Far Niente Cave Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
- 98 pointsThe Somm Journal
- 96 pointsWine Enthusiast
- 95 pointsWine Advocate
- 95 pointsJames Suckling
- 94 pointsVinous
Cave Collection wines are cellared in ideal conditions and released annually on allocation. Highly sought after and limited, the 2018 vintage opens with generous aromas of blackberry, chocolate-covered cherries, and espresso that give way to a full midpalate filled with black cherry and berry flavors, accented by dusky dark cocoa and toffee notes. Fine-grained tannins offer structure from start to end, with a velvety finish layered with ripe, lingering black fruit flavors.
Oakville
2018 Far Niente Cave Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Oakville
2018 Far Niente Cave Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
- 98 pointsThe Somm Journal
- 96 pointsWine Enthusiast
- 95 pointsWine Advocate
- 95 pointsJames Suckling
- 94 pointsVinous
Cave Collection wines are cellared in ideal conditions and released annually on allocation. Highly sought after and limited, the 2018 vintage opens with generous aromas of blackberry, chocolate-covered cherries, and espresso that give way to a full midpalate filled with black cherry and berry flavors, accented by dusky dark cocoa and toffee notes. Fine-grained tannins offer structure from start to end, with a velvety finish layered with ripe, lingering black fruit flavors.
$360
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The Details
Varietal
91% Cabernet Sauvignon
6% Petit Verdot
3% Merlot
Aging
20 months in French oak (70% new, 30% once-used)
Skin Contact
15 days, average
Harvest Dates
September 29–October 6, 2018
Winemaker
Nicole Marchesi
Near-perfect weather in 2018 led to extended hang time and optimal harvest.
Near-perfect weather conditions and timing, from budbreak to harvest, made 2018 a Goldilocks vintage. The season started in February with a mild spring, resulting in extended flowering and balanced clusters. Consistent summer temperatures allowed for leisurely, extended hang time, ensuring each cluster achieved perfect phenolic maturity. With no need to rush, we harvested the fruit at just-right ripeness over two weeks. This ideal scenario allowed us to pick each block at its optimal point, enhancing the vintage's quality.
Far Niente Cave Collection
Designed for those who relish in the sensory pleasures of age-worthy wines, Cave Club shipments feature current and library vintages of Far Niente’s iconic Cabernet Sauvignons.
Capturing a sense of place in Napa Valley’s famed Oakville.
Oakville is prized for its gravelly, volcanic soils, and enjoys the warmth of mountain-hugged valley and the cooling influence of the bay. These conditions combine to create Cabernet Sauvignons with elegant fruit flavors and supple tannins.
Harvested from Martin Stelling Vineyard
Situated behind Far Niente’s historic winery against the western hills of Oakville, this vineyard is named for Martin Stelling, the estate’s previous owner, who presided over what was considered the most extensive, elite vineyard in the world, including most of modern-day Oakville. Known for its richness and structure, yet remarkable finesse, both Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel source from Stelling to craft their stunning Cabernets. Surrounded by the famed To Kalon, Martha’s Vineyard, and Harlan Estate, this historic vineyard began its latest replanting in 2022 with the guidance of renowned consultants Thomas Rivers Brown and Garrett Buckland to ensure it remains a pinnacle of Napa Valley winemaking.
98 Points
The Somm Journal
“The fruit was sourced from the gravelly volcanic-loam soil of the estate’s Martin Stelling Vineyard. Teeth-grabbing cocoa tannins wrap around a firm body that emanates deep, dark fruit from start to finish.”
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