Realm Cellars, The Bard 2019

Critical Acclaim: 99 pts Jeb Dunnuck; 98 pts James Suckling; 98 pts Vinous; 97 pts Wine Advocate. 

About the Wine: The flagship of Realm’s portfolio, The Bard is the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated Proprietary Blend that Realm has made since 2003. They consider The Bard to be the most dynamic expression of Napa Valley: a blend of grapes from Coombsville to Calistoga, from the east to the west sides, from the hillsides to the valley floor. Dense, weighty, and concentrated, The Bard always punches above its weight, and with multiple dimensions coming together in harmony, there is more than meets the eye in this complex wine. Outstanding vineyards such as Beckstoffer To Kalon, Beckstoffer Bourn, Blair, Houyi, Larkmead, Realm SLD Estate, Farella, Orchard and Bettinelli Upper Range have all found a place in the wine. 

Tasting Notes: "This cuvée reveals a deep purple color followed by a beautiful perfume of crème de cassis, blackberries, roasted coffee, spring flowers, and violets. With incredible richness, no hard edges, and a blockbuster finish, this incredible wine offers serious opulence with no sensation of heaviness or weight. It's beautifully done and already complex and nuanced. It will evolve for at least 15+ years."- Jeb Dunnuck. 

"Fantastic aromas of blackcurrants and graphite, then plums, licorice and violets. Medium to full body with a cashmere quality to the tannins. Length and true beauty. This has a really luxurious feel to it. 81% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot and 5% petit verdot. Drink or hold."- James Suckling. 

"A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, the fruit for the 2019 The Bard fetches from Calistoga to Coombsville, including portions from illustrious vineyards such as Dr. Crane, Moonracer, Houyi and Larkmead. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose bursts with bold notions of blackcurrant pastilles, wild blueberries and chocolate-covered cherries, plus suggestions of violets, star anise and unsmoked cigars. The full-bodied palate is chock-full of bright, crunchy black and blue fruits, framed by very fine-grained tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing with lots of floral and exotic spice layers. This 2019 is particularly spectacular, drinking beautifully now and yet has the stuffing to cellar beautifully for 20 years+. Drink date: 2022-2044."- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

Varietal: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.