The Martin Stelling vineyard, which produced my first 100 point score last year, figures prominently in this offering, brought to bottled life by new winemaker Nicole Marchesi. The focus here is on red fruit, with elegant cherry, red currant, chocolate, and delicate floral and dried herb aromas that entice you to sip, and things improve from there. Vibrant acidity, supple tannic structure and a lively texture translate the aromas to flavors beautifully, and the finish goes on and on, already showing fine integration. It’s a California trophy cellar “must have” — make that world trophy cellar! Contains 3% Petit Verdot.
Far Niente, Oakville (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
By Rich Cook