Back in June I spent the entire month in Napa. As part of this month we took in a visit to Far Niente Winery, where the name literally translates to “do nothing” – and by nothing, we mean taking a leisurely cave tour and indulging in some world-class wine tasting. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted with a sip of Chardonnay, the perfect companion for a stroll through their breathtaking gardens that looked like they were straight out of Bridgerton! Our fabulous host, Curt, led us through the caves, which are packed with thousands of bottles of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Picture a wine lover’s treasure trove! My friend, Lauren is absolutely smitten with their Dolce dessert wine, and we’ve discovered it can elevate anything from desserts to cocktails to a whole new level of sweetness. Post-tour, we settled indoors for our tasting session (thanks to some pesky smoke from nearby fires 🙁).
While everything we enjoyed was beyond spectacular, we’re focusing on the 2022 Coombsville Chardonnay—a wine that may very well make you question why you haven’t been sipping it all along. I remember my tasting in Napa, and this Chardonnay stood out as a bit of a game-changer for me. Naturally, I was excited to open a bottle this past weekend, hoping it still had that same charm.
Spoiler alert: it absolutely does. This wine is a crisp delight, which isn’t something you often say about a Californian Chardonnay. Typically, you get a lot of oak and butter, but Far Niente’s version is more refined. Imagine tropical fruits mingling with light citrus, all while hints of toast and just a touch of butter round things out. It’s a balanced, refreshing take on Chardonnay that lingers on the palate just long enough to leave you wanting another sip.
Bold? Definitely. This wine manages to be assertive without overpowering, like a well-timed conversation starter at a dinner party. With its perfect acidity, it stays vibrant and engaging without ever crossing into heavy-handed territory. As far as Chardonnays go, this one strikes all the right chords and makes a compelling case for being a standout in its category.
If you’re ever in Napa, this tour is definitely one to book. Just be prepared to have your taste buds dazzled and your wine knowledge expanded – all while doing “nothing” in the best possible way!
