A beautiful wine, Far Niente’s 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is elegant, rich, concentrated and pure. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Merlot, it possesses a saturated purple color, a sweet nose of black currants, licorice, incense and subtle vanilla, medium to full body, significant power and a Pauillac-like cedary, creme de cassis style. It should drink well for two decades or more. 93+ - Robert Parker

Far Niente has produced a tannic drily astringent young wine that's nowhere near ready to drink. It's tough as nails with a gritty astringency that locks down the black currant and dark unsweetened chocolate flavors. But it is a very balanced distinguished wine that should easily negotiate the next 10 or 15 years with proper cellaring.

Aromas of spice, dried currant and zesty berry offer hints of mineral, sage and cedary oak. Leans toward dryness on the finish, where the tannins firm up. Finishes with a nice burst of red fruit. Best from 2009 through 2014. – JL