Winemaker Notes
Blend: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A great effort from Far Niente in this truly magnificent vintage, with its similarities to 2002, the Far Niente 2012 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon has a dense purple color, plenty of structure and aging potential, and an impressive inner core of sweet crème de cassis fruit, licorice and background vanilla. This wine is still very much an infant in its evolution, and should keep for 20-30 years. Many 2012s are excessively generous, open-knit and fleshy, but this is holding a lot back. And wow, it is "locked and loaded." I wouldn't be surprised to see this wine increase in score in about 5-10 years, and actually merit an even higher score. Bravo!
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
One of the winery's best wines to date, the 2012 Far Niente Cabernet is so incredibly complete; high class in so many ways; super-focused aromas of red and black fruits, with a subtle note of dried and savory earth; almost creamy and definitely seductive on the palate; oak is present, but only in the background and in the wine's textures. (Best Served: 2019-2035)
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James Suckling
Fruit-forward style of Napa cabernet with lots of dried fruits such as prunes and raisins. Full body, round tannins and a fresh finish. It remains fruity and clean. Drink now
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Decanter
Lushly textured and polished, with juicy red cherry and berry, creamy vanillin and anise notes. Has the structure to support the richness.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.