2012 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

Far Niente's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is gorgeous. Layers of dark, mocha and spice-infused fruit meld together as this sumptuous, resonant Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its volume and breadth. Underlying beams of tannin give the 2012 its length and attractive sense of drive to balance the generous fruit. The 2012 could use another year or two in barrel, but it is already quite striking. There is a lot going on in this complex, highly nuanced Cabernet Sauvignon.

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!