Fully opaque ruby violet offering aromas of black cherry, cassis, cocoa powder, coffee, and cedar. Full bodied, soft, and fruit forward with incredible mid-palate density. The tannins are fine grained and alcohol is 14.6%. Made from a blend of 62% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot sourced from vineyards like Beckstoffer’s Orchard Lane and Dr. Crane and aged in 65% new French oak. Along with Duckhorn, this is one of my favorite California Merlots and is crafted by winemaker Benoit Touquette and consultant Michel Rolland to drink young. I favor a pop and pour approach. $95.
Fully opaque ruby violet offering aromas of black cherry, cassis, cocoa powder, coffee, and cedar. Full bodied, soft, and fruit forward with incredible mid-palate density. The tannins are fine grained and alcohol is 14.6%. Made from a blend of 62% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot sourced from vineyards like Beckstoffer’s Orchard Lane and Dr. Crane and aged in 65% new French oak. Along with Duckhorn, this is one of my favorite California Merlots and is crafted by winemaker Benoit Touquette and consultant Michel Rolland to drink young. I favor a pop and pour approach. $95.
Sep 16th, 2018
Second of the three wines to celebrate passing with distinction on the WSET 2.
Deep purplish ruby red. Mute nose with dark black and red fruits. Some dark cocoa and pencil shavings too. Heavy tannins (7/10) and full bodied. Rounded but tight to start with notes of dark raspberries, cedar, spices and cinnamon. Long and very dry finish with lots of dark minerality. Drink till 2027.
Still a baby Merlot-led Bordeaux blend that definitely needs a solid hour to two hour decant.
Second of the three wines to celebrate passing with distinction on the WSET 2.
Deep purplish ruby red. Mute nose with dark black and red fruits. Some dark cocoa and pencil shavings too. Heavy tannins (7/10) and full bodied. Rounded but tight to start with notes of dark raspberries, cedar, spices and cinnamon. Long and very dry finish with lots of dark minerality. Drink till 2027.
Still a baby Merlot-led Bordeaux blend that definitely needs a solid hour to two hour decant.
Jul 2nd, 2017
The tannins are solid but after a 3 hour decant this was just amazing. Blueberries on the nose, plush, lush mouthfeel, abundant dark blue fruits and sweet oak on the palate. Realm nails it again. And again. And again.
The tannins are solid but after a 3 hour decant this was just amazing. Blueberries on the nose, plush, lush mouthfeel, abundant dark blue fruits and sweet oak on the palate. Realm nails it again. And again. And again.
Nov 12th, 2016
Napa Valley, California, USA
