Chardonnay (2023)

About this wine

This Chardonnay opens with generous aromas of pear, peach, lemon, and vanilla, then follows with a round, lively palate full of apple and stone fruit. Carneros gives it that classic balance of sunny ripeness and refreshing lift, so it feels rich without turning heavy. A gentle thread of toasted oak adds a creamy, familiar note, while the finish stays clean and bright. Post and Beam comes from the Far Niente family, a name that has helped define modern Napa Valley Chardonnay for decades, and this label leans into a more easygoing, everyday style. It stands out for combining California generosity with the cooler edge that Carneros does so well, giving you plenty of flavor without losing freshness.

About the grape

Chardonnay originated in the Burgundy region of France where growers selected multiple clones for different sites, and it became prized for its ability to reflect site, respond to oak and retain acidity. In Carneros the variety is planted on cool fog influenced sites like Far Niente’s Grand Sky and fruit sourced from Truchard blocks where long growing seasons and well drained, alluvial soils promote even, extended ripening. Far Niente works with clonal selections including older Clone 4 material and careful vine management to balance vigor and concentration, using canopy control and site selection rather than heavy manipulation in the cellar. In this Post & Beam bottling Chardonnay is handled to showcase varietal structure, with measured oak and estate vineyard sourcing that emphasize Carneros viticulture and the grape’s adaptability.

Quick facts

• 🏚️ The “Post & Beam” name is a deliberate nod to classic wooden post-and-beam barn architecture that inspired the label and winery aesthetic.
• 🍾 Post & Beam is Far Niente’s more approachable second label, crafted to deliver the house’s Chardonnay style at a friendlier price and ready-to-drink on release.
• 🌫️ The 2023 Chardonnay is largely sourced from Grand Sky Vineyard in Carneros, a cool foggy site on the Napa–Sonoma boundary that lengthens the growing season and brightens acidity.
• ⚗️ Winemaking intentionally avoids malolactic fermentation and uses mostly neutral French oak so the texture comes from technique rather than overt buttery oak influence.
• 🍐 Far Niente’s tasting notes for the 2023 highlight lively tropical and orchard fruit like passionfruit, melon, and Anjou pear, giving it a more fruit-forward, sunny personality than many classic Burgundian Chardonnays.

Palate profile

Producer

Post & Beam is a wine brand created by Far Niente Wine Estates to offer approachable, fruit forward wines guided by the family estate s winemaking expertise. The label was introduced in the early 2020s, drawing on vineyards across Napa Valley and the Sonoma Coast to showcase clear varietal character and freshness. Winemaking leadership from the Far Niente team shaped Post & Beam to be enjoyable upon release, while honoring traditional cellar craft. The brand complements Far Niente s historic estate labels by focusing on value and immediate drinkability, and it has been featured in national wine retailers and restaurant lists.