Far Niente Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – 1.5L Southern Wine & Spirits

95pts Wine Enthusiast

This memorable Cabernet Sauvignon has small amounts of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec blended in. Aged 17 months in a majority of new French oak, it unfurls flavors of red fruit, dried herb and clove over a core of youthful tannin and spicy oak. Best from 2028–2038. Cellar Selection.

95pts Jeb Dunnuck
Including small amounts of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a deep purple color as well as classic Cabernet notes of blackcurrants, new leather, tobacco leaf, flowers, and lead pencil. Beautifully done on the palate and made in a seamless, elegant style, it has a kiss of Pauillac in its nicely integrated acidity, ripe, building tannins, a touch of earthiness, and a great finish. It’s not a blockbuster, just seamless and elegant, with a thrilling character. It should keep for 20+ years.

94pts Wilfred Wong
The 2018 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits outstanding and expressive nuances from start to finish. Its palate is at once sleek and penetrating. This wine offers aromas and flavors of black fruit and attractive savory spices in its aromas and flavors. Enjoy it with a well-spiced, rack of lamb.

94pts Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Composed of 93.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.8% Petit Verdot, 2.3% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Merlot and 0.1% Malbec, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Bottled was aged for 17 months in French oak, 65% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with notes of stewed plums, warm cassis and black raspberries with touches of pencil shavings, dried Provence herbs and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a real skip in its step, featuring bright, crunchy black and red fruits and a soft texture, finishing lively.

92pts James Suckling
Fresh-currant, pine, mocha and licorice aromas on the nose. Praline, too. It’s medium-bodied with firm, sleek tannins. Silky and juicy. Try from 2022.

Winemaker Notes
An elegant perfume of mixed berries, baking spice, dried lavender and thyme open onto a full palate layered with expansive mixed berry, black tea, toasted oak and spice flavors. Focused and fresh, fine grained tannins support the wine throughout, while the finish is silky, long and lifted.

Blend: 93.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.8% Petit Verdot, 2.3% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Merlot, 0.1% Malbec