Far Niente Chardonnay - WineO Mark Review

The Far Niente Chardonnay is considered by many wine enthusiasts as one of the best Chardonnays.

I had a friend that only drank premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Far Niente Chardonnay. Never understood why he loved this Chardonnay so much, but now I do!

This fantastic winery only produces two varietals; Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay which allow for an excellent quality product with award winning taste!

So although this wine has a higher price for a premium Chardonnay, you definitely get the quality of the price that you’re paying.

Almost all vintage wines of the Far Niente Chardonnay have received a high-point rating in many wine reviews. Its latest 2020 vintage has received a 92-point rating from wine critic, Wilfred Wong and the same rating from Wine Enthusiast.

Who Makes Far Niente Chardonnay?

Far Niente was founded by John Benson in Oakville, California in 1885. By the onset of Prohibition in 1919, the winery was closed, but the love of the people for the wine has never stopped. Gil Nickel bought and restored the winery after 60 years including several neighboring vineyards.

Far Niente Chardonnay Review

According to Vivino, Far Niente Chardonnay is ranked #1 on the Top 25 Napa Valley Chardonnay Wines in California right now. This wine is both complex and well-structured which makes it a very good Chardonnay.

Look

The design of the Far Niente Chardonnay is a stunning gold that commemorates its 40th anniversary and its classic colors. The wine has the color of golden crystal clear straw.

Aroma

This wine has the smell of tree fruits including pears, apples, and melon. There’s also some vanilla, notes of honey, light citrus, and oak.

Taste

The taste of this wine is exactly as you smell it. I can taste apples, pears, melon, honeysuckle, and clear notes of vanilla. There’s also some lemon zest, toasted oak, and a touch of butter.

Finish

The Far Niente Chardonnay is smooth and medium to full-bodied. It’s not too buttery and not too oaky which allows the complexity of the wine to come forward. It perfectly embodies and represents what Napa Valley Chardonnay should taste like at its best.

WineO Mark Rating

93 Points

Quality Price Ratio: B+
Taste: A

premium

Where to Buy?

The Far Niente Chardonnay is available in many wine retailers including Safeway, Total Wine, Wine.com, Vivino, Drizly, and more. Its price range is between $50 – $80 depending on where you buy it.

It retails at $73 on the Far Niente website. But we found Costco ($52.49) or Vivino ($49.97) are the best places to buy this wine!

FAQs

Is Far Niente Chardonnay Buttery?

Yes, the Far Niente Chardonnay has a buttery, creamy, and smooth taste. Although, it’s not too buttery that you’ll feel the oil in your mouth. The acidity of the lemon zest and oaky taste creates the perfect balance for this wine.

How Would You Describe Far Niente Chardonnay?

The Far Niente Chardonnay is a premium Napa Valley Chardonnay that represents the best the region has to offer. It has a great balanced acidity with lots of rich flavors. And the light citrus flavors help balance the mouth-filling, creamy, and long finish.

How Long Does Far Niente Chardonnay Last?

The Far Niente Chardonnay would last up to 8 – 10 years. However, it’s best to drink at any time!