Far Niente, established in 1885 by John Benson, stands as a cornerstone of Napa Valley’s viticultural history. The winery’s name, borrowed from the Italian phrase “dolce far niente” or “the sweetness of doing nothing,” reflects a philosophy of leisure that was tragically interrupted by Prohibition. The stone estate sat abandoned for sixty years until Gil and Beth Nickel purchased the property in 1979, beginning a meticulous restoration that returned the winery to its former glory. By the late 1980s, Far Niente had firmly established its reputation for producing world-class Chardonnay, focusing on a house style that emphasized brightness, complexity, and the exclusion of malolactic fermentation to preserve the natural acidity of the fruit.

The 1987 growing season in Napa Valley is remembered as a classic and remarkably balanced year for white wines. Following a relatively dry winter, the spring brought early budbreak and ideal conditions for flowering. The summer months were characterized by consistent, moderate warmth without the punishing heatwaves that can often stress the vines. This steady pace allowed the Chardonnay grapes to achieve full physiological ripeness while maintaining a vibrant structural backbone. Harvest occurred under clear skies, delivering fruit with concentrated flavors and exceptional clarity. The 1987 Far Niente Chardonnay remains a testament to this superb vintage, showcasing a refined integration of toasted oak and citrus notes that defined the estate’s early success in the modern era.