Review: Wines of the Far Niente Family, 2022 Releases
Review: Wines of the Far Niente Family, 2022 Releases
The three wines below all have different names, but they’re all sister brands of Far Niente — whose fonts and design choices are consistent with the parent brand. At these prices, I certainly would call any of them “second labels.”
Let’s see how they pan out in the luxe California wine space.
2019 EnRoute Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Les Pommiers – A classic representation of Russian River pinot, dense with notes of dark cherry and cola, a smoldering and gently smoky tea leaf character omnipresent throughout. A touch of rosemary and a light layer of vanilla on the finish perk things up nicely, though the wine never comes across as overly complex. That said, pinot fans won’t be disappointed with the depth of flavor — all on point — that’s on display here. A- / $60
2018 Bella Union Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley – Complemented by a touch of malbec and cabernet franc, this bottling evokes hefty tannins, bit currants countered by cola and greenery notes, and licorice. Tight and a little bitter as it builds, the burly wine is weighty with notes of graphite, black tea, and a fresh asphalt note on the finish. A classic expression of California cab, a bitter punchiness lingers just about forever on the enduring denouement. A- / $80 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
2019 Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley – This more affordable cabernet has nearly all the richness of the Bella Union bottling, a boldly currant-infused wine with notes of dark chocolate, a touch of rosemary, and light notes of cola on the back end. Moderate in body, with gentle but present tannins, and a licorice whip on the finish. Lingering chocolate notes are soothing and comforting. A- / $50 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
2019 EnRoute Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Les Pommiers
$60
