december 2026
december 2026 Dear Dolce Far Niente Society Member, As the year draws toward its close, this shipment turns to the wines worth keeping. Here, you’ll find four bottles chosen for the collector's cellar and the collector's table alike. The 2022 Bella Union La Gemma, with an additional year already behind it, is the one to open among friends this season. The 2024 State Ranch, Hawk's Cradle, and Element 28 from Nickel & Nickel bring single-vineyard structure and the promise of years ahead, each a clear expression of place. Open one now for the gathered table and let the rest enjoy their place in your cellar. With Appreciation,
Joe Harden nickel & nickel winemaker
2022 Bella Union La Gemma Red Blend napa valley
Blackcurrant and plum lead a rich, layered bouquet, joined by notes of tobacco, graphite and earthy minerality. Full-bodied on the palate, blackberry and cassis unfold alongside dark chocolate and espresso. Velvety tannins give the wine a polished, substantial structure, while the dark fruit remains generous and composed. The finish is long and refined, carrying savory depth, richness and a lingering mineral character with beautiful persistence. APPELLATION Napa Valley VARIETAL 84% Cabernet Sauvignon 7% Malbec 6% Petit Verdot 2% Merlot 1% Cabernet Franc
AGING 15 months in French oak (65% new, 35% once-used) HARVEST DATES September 16October 17, 2022
2024 Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon yountville, napa valley
Expressive aromas of black currant, dark plum and black raspberry are complemented by espresso, cedar and savory herbs. Richly textured on the palate, layers of concentrated dark fruit are balanced by freshness and beautifully integrated structure. Generous tannins give the wine presence and depth while remaining polished and composed. The finish carries ripe fruit and savory complexity with persistence, revealing a powerful yet balanced expression of this celebrated Yountville vineyard. APPELLATION Yountville, Napa Valley
AGING 18 months in French oak (60% new, 40% once-used)
WINEMAKER Joe Harden
VARIETAL 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
HARVEST DATE September 19, 23, 25 & 27, 2024
VICE PRESIDENT OF WINEMAKING Andrew Delos
2024 Nickel & Nickel Element 28 Cabernet Sauvignon napa valley
Blackberry, black cherry and cassis form a classic dark-fruited core, complemented by a subtle graphite edge that brings structure and depth. The palate is focused and polished, with well-integrated tannins framing the concentrated fruit while preserving freshness. Mineral character adds definition through the mid-palate, leading to a lifted, energetic finish. Balanced and complete, the wine combines dark fruit, structure and precision in a beautifully composed expression of the site. APPELLATION Napa Valley VARIETAL 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
AGING 16 months in French oak (60% new, 40% once-used)
WINEMAKER Joe Harden
HARVEST DATES October 4 – 5, 2024
VICE PRESIDENT OF WINEMAKING Andrew Delos
2024 Nickel & Nickel Hawk’s Cradle Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon howell mountain, napa valley
Black currant, wild blackberry and blueberry lead the aromatics, layered with crushed violet, graphite, volcanic stone, cedar and cocoa. Dense and tightly woven on the palate, concentrated dark fruit is supported by vibrant mountain acidity and firm, fine-grained tannins. Espresso, dark chocolate and iron-rich minerality add depth through a long, powerful finish. Structured yet beautifully balanced, the wine shows impressive presence now with the framework for graceful aging. APPELLATION AGING Howell Mountain, Napa Valley 18 months in French oak (60% new, 40% once-used) VARIETALS 100% Cabernet Sauvignon HARVEST DATES October 4 & 9, 2024
WINEMAKER Joe Harden VICE PRESIDENT OF WINEMAKING Andrew Delos
Event Calendar SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2026
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NEXT SHIPMENT: FEBRUARY 2027 LOOKING TO PLACE AN ADDITIONAL ORDER? TEXT OR CALL: (707) 302-3635 VISIT: FARNIENTE.COM/SHOP