The 1989 Far Niente Chardonnay from Napa Valley has 13.5% alcohol, cost about $20 then (expensive at the time) and scored 17 points on the 20-point Dionysian scale. The name means “without a care” and this Nickel & Nickel property makes an easy drinking oaky style of Chardonnay.

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At 28 years old, the wine held up far better than I thought. I love being surprised with old wines and would age a new one of these for 12 to 18 years.

John Benson built the winery in 1885, but it lay empty until the Nickel family brought it back to life. They make expensive, but well crafted wines. This one had buttery apple and loads of new oaky flavors. It was a big white with a long aftertaste suited to creamy pasta, cheese dishes or chicken or turkey. I like them at 12 to 15 years old. This one surpassed expectations. In Vino Veritas.