Bob, good question. I have stacks and stacks, but they're not empty...full of wines from both Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel, the sister winery. They are the best client I have ever had and I worked on the master plans for both wineries. The late Gil Nickel was a wonderful friend and the finest person I have ever worked with during a 30+ year career. We miss him a lot. Every year, the winery's London taxi pulls up on our road, and two velvet-clad holiday "elves" deliver one of those laser-etched cases of Far Niente wines for the holidays. But yes, they do make marvelous storage boxes and they are also good kindling for the fireplace.
If you have not tried the Nickel & Nickel wines, you are in for a real treat. They specialize in single vineyard varietals and are fabulous. Favorites are the N&N Sullenger Vineyards Cabernet and the N&N Dragonfly Vineyards Cabernet. The N&N Winery is directly across the road from Robert Mondavi Winery. We did a complete histroric restoration of the old farmstead and grounds, its re-use as the winery. Even the landscaping is representative of what a turn-of-the-century kitchen garden and color garden would have been. Their wines are great and the family even greater. Thanks for asking.
:funn:
