Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Realm Cellars – The Bard – Red Blend – 2022
Napa Valley AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Realm Cellars’ flagship proprietary red, The Bard represents the most expansive and dynamic expression of Napa Valley terroir. The 2022 vintage is Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant (approximately 70%), supported by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, with exact proportions varying by year. Sourced from a broad range of elite vineyards spanning Coombsville to Calistoga and both valley floor and hillside sites, this wine is designed to showcase Napa Valley in its full breadth and power.

Aromas & Flavors
Dense and expressive aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry compote, and dark plum lead the profile, followed by graphite, cocoa, crushed stone, and subtle baking spice. As it opens, notes of espresso, cedar, and savory herbs emerge, adding layers of depth and complexity.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, weighty, and concentrated, with a rich core of dark fruit framed by structured yet polished tannins. Despite its power, the wine maintains balance and freshness, carrying seamlessly into a long, impactful finish.

Food Pairings
Prime rib, grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, venison, or aged cheeses such as aged Cheddar, Comté, or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Verdict
A bold yet refined Napa Valley red that captures Realm’s philosophy of sourcing greatness across sites to build a wine of exceptional depth, richness, and presence. The Bard remains a benchmark proprietary blend that delivers both immediate pleasure and cellar-worthy structure.

Did You Know?
The Bard draws fruit from some of Napa Valley’s most revered vineyards, including Beckstoffer To Kalon, Beckstoffer Bourn, Blair, Houyi, and Larkmead, contributing to its layered complexity and distinctive Napa identity.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is a wine every serious wine lover should have in their cellar. Powerful, delicious, and unapologetically Napa, The Bard delivers depth, impact, and pure enjoyment in every glass. — 3 days ago

AJ Gubser

9.0

On the nose this never going to get mistaken for anything but riesling. You get a hit of that petrol/plastic beachball smell as well as mossy rocks and lemon peel. Palate is off dry with honey drizzled lemon and very ripe pear. Nice medium acidity keeps the balance in check with a hint of those petrol notes.

A little sweeter than what I was expecting, but still a tasty, clean wine. — 5 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2019 vintage. Ages very well,could be mistaken for Pessac-Léognan. — 3 months ago

Gerald Montoya

9.3

Nose is beautiful. Heavy flor aromas carry unroasted cashews and almonds with just a hint of orange oil. Palate is light and fresh with an attack of orange oil, lightly roasted cashews and almonds and a big salty finish. A golden brown color that could be easily mistaken for Amontillado, but not surprising for en Rama. Definitely best with food, but delicious on its own. — 3 years ago

Donna Fauerbach

9.1

White flowers & brioche that could be mistaken for champagne. Cheers! — 4 years ago

Michael Herzog

9.0

This was a monster truck Pinot for sure. Not to be paired lightly with food and not to be mistaken for a Burgundy. This has extraction, alcohol, and tons of flavor. Different but fun. — 5 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

A Pinot Nero showing its age. Tawny edge - notes of wood varnish and stewed red fruits. A very balanced mellow palate with a gamey note. Just medium weight. Could be mistaken for a Burgundy in a blind tasting. — 2 years ago

Bruce Gunther

9.1

Nice, unique...a mistaken random grab at the store that turned out well. — 3 years ago

with Trish

ESF

9.2

Really started to shine 2-3 hrs in, very tight out of the chute, eventually showed gorgeous cherry, rose hips & crushed flowers, some asphalt, slight lift, minerals & sweet spice - big rigid tannins - blind I might have mistaken for Barolo... recall this being a pretty good vintage w/long life ahead (purchased in Montalcino) — 5 years ago

Allyson Wiggam

9.4

From elemental spirits. — 5 years ago