Realm Cellars
About Realm Cellars
Realm Cellars is a prestigious winery located in the Napa Valley that has gained recognition for its exceptional wines. Established in 2002 by friends Juan Mercado, Benoit Touquette, and Alexandre Thevenet, Realm Cellars is dedicated to producing limited-production wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. The winery's emphasis on small-batch, single vineyard wines has resulted in a devoted following among wine enthusiasts and critical acclaim. Their portfolio includes a variety of varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc, all of which highlight the complexity and sophistication of the Napa Valley.
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Prices:
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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California | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£4,304.69 |
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California | 1 | 99 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£4,885.49 |
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Wine Advocate (99)The one-acre parcel that goes into the Hartwell XX bottling was planted to Bosché-selection Cabernet that came from Grace Family. The near-perfect 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hartwell XX is almost floral on the nose, adding ripe cherries plus hints of mocha and pencil shavings, while the full-bodied palate is richly concentrated and velvety, with a long, harmonious finish. This wine somehow manages to harness awesome power into a smooth, seductive Stags Leap District ride. |
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California | 1 | 99 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£4,211.09 |
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Wine Advocate (99)The one-acre parcel that goes into the Hartwell XX bottling was planted to Bosché-selection Cabernet that came from Grace Family. The near-perfect 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hartwell XX is almost floral on the nose, adding ripe cherries plus hints of mocha and pencil shavings, while the full-bodied palate is richly concentrated and velvety, with a long, harmonious finish. This wine somehow manages to harness awesome power into a smooth, seductive Stags Leap District ride. |
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California | 1 | 98+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,328.06 |
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Wine Advocate (98+)Realm took over the management of Farella vineyard in 2018. Since then, winemaker Benoit Touquette explained their focus has been to open out the canopy, creating better exposure for the fruit, aiming to achieve riper tannins. A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and a powerful, expressive nose of baked plums, juicy blackberries and blackcurrant pastilles, plus touches of black olives, lavender and cinnamon stick, with a waft of fragrant earth. The full-bodied palate is seriously dense and muscular, featuring a rock-solid foundation of super ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and energy. A spectacular showing for Farella! |
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California | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£2,095.78 |
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California | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£818.69 |
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California | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,407.89 |
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Vinous (93)The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard is very young and in need of time to be at its best. Today, it is boisterous and forward, but also not fully put together. Then again, this is a pretty rugged site. Black cherry, plum, grilled herbs, chocolate, leather, licorice and lavender are front and center in this decidedly brooding, potent Cabernet. |
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California | 3 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,506.29 |
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Vinous (96)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard is dark, voluptuous and enveloping. Inky blackberry fruit, chocolate, spice, licorice and espresso build in a sumptuous, potent Napa Valley Cabernet loaded with class. Winemaker Benoit Touquette coaxed an unreal amount of finesse in the tannins from this hillside site next to Brand and Colgin. This is an especially opulent, jammy style, and it all works so well. Time in the glass brings out striking energy and a whole range of floral accents that add brightness. There is an effortless grace that will make the 2018 very easy to drink with minimal cellaring. |
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California | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,701.26 |
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Vinous (97)The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard bristles with energy and tension. Inky, jammy fruit, gravel, spice, menthol, licorice and chocolate race across the palate. Readers will find a Cabernet that marries Napa Valley opulence from the structure and strong mineral inflections typical of this hillside site in the Vaca Mountains. This is a fabulous edition of the Houyi. The 2019 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon taken from six different blocks. |
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California | 1 | 97+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,405.66 |
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Vinous (97+)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer emerges from Realm’s estate vineyard in Stags Leap. Inky, opulent and full-throttle, the Moonracer captures the personality of this site and vintage so well. Crème de cassis, licorice, spice, menthol, new French oak and lavender all flesh out as this sumptuous, exotic Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its racy curves. The 2018 needs a bit of time to fully come together, but it was only bottled this past June, which is to say later than most of the wines in Realm’s September 2020 release. Patience will be rewarded. For those who can’t wait, the 2018 starts to become approachable about 12 hours after opening. When the remainder of the 2018s are released in early 2021 readers will see a new, small bottling from the very top of the estate made from blocks planted with one of the most important legacy Cabernet Sauvignon clones in Napa Valley. But back to Moonracer. It is a wine that captures so much of what makes the Realm wines special and unique. The blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. |
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California | 1 | 97+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,039.66 |
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Vinous (97+)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer emerges from Realm’s estate vineyard in Stags Leap. Inky, opulent and full-throttle, the Moonracer captures the personality of this site and vintage so well. Crème de cassis, licorice, spice, menthol, new French oak and lavender all flesh out as this sumptuous, exotic Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its racy curves. The 2018 needs a bit of time to fully come together, but it was only bottled this past June, which is to say later than most of the wines in Realm’s September 2020 release. Patience will be rewarded. For those who can’t wait, the 2018 starts to become approachable about 12 hours after opening. When the remainder of the 2018s are released in early 2021 readers will see a new, small bottling from the very top of the estate made from blocks planted with one of the most important legacy Cabernet Sauvignon clones in Napa Valley. But back to Moonracer. It is a wine that captures so much of what makes the Realm wines special and unique. The blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. |
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California | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,052.86 |
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Vinous (97)From the Realm Estate in Stags Leap, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer is an elegant, sophisticated Cabernet that shows the nuanced side of Stags Leap in its red-toned fruit profile, floral aromatics and mid-weight structure. I would give the 2019 at least a few years in the bottle. There is a certain approachability to the 2019, but ultimately I think that might be a bit deceptive relative to the wine's ultimate potential. |
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California | 6 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,602.86 |
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Wine Advocate (97)A strong effort, Realm's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, coming from a mix of older vines and newer plantings. Mixed red and black cherries appear on the nose, accented by hints of cedar and spice, while the medium- to full-bodied palate brings a suave, suede-like feel—that famous Stags Leap District texture. Ending long and harmonious, this is just a wonderful effort. |
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California | 2 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£799.45 |
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Vinous (95)The darker side of Dr. Crane comes through in the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard. Raspberry jam wild flowers, menthol, licorice, dried herbs and smoke are all laced together in the glass. A dollop of Petit Verdot adds darkness, but at the end of the day, Dr. Crane can't be denied. No matter what, the 2012 still has plenty of the lift, silkiness and pure sensuality that distinguishes this site from so many others in St. Helena and Napa Valley. |
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California | 1 | 100 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,648.34 |
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Wine Advocate (100)A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, Realm's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard marries intoxicating complexity with unabashed intensity. Scents of ripe black cherries, crushed stone, dried herbs and even some suggestions of stone fruit all swirl together seamlessly on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is framed by smooth, fine-grained tannins. Showing impeccable concentration and length, it folds in complex nuances of dried spices on the softly tannic finish. |
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California | 1 | 95+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,789.66 |
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Vinous (95+)The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard is quite primary and in need of time in bottle to show at its best. Inky dark fruit, lavender, menthol, new oak and sweet baking spices are all kicked up a few notches. Rich, plush and enveloping, the 2016 possesses tremendous intensity and tons of sheer allure. |
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California | 1 | 99 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£2,243.66 |
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Wine Advocate (99)Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color, requiring a little coaxing before it spills out of the glass with fantastically showy blackberry preserves, boysenberries and cassis notes, plus hints of black raspberries, clove oil and potpourri, with a touch of tobacco leaf. The decadent, full-bodied palate sports a firm backbone of ripe, grainy tannins with beautiful freshness. All that generous black fruit melds seamlessly into a very long, mineral-laced finish. |
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California | 1 | 97+ (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£3,740.69 |
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Wine Advocate (97+)Realm's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard—a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc—features knockout aromas of black cherries, loamy earth and dried spices that suggest cinnamon and cardamom. It's full-bodied, velvety and richly concentrated, with a long finish that's softly tannic, even a touch dusty. While far from being unapproachable, it should be even better in a decade or so. |
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California | 1 | 97 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,012.46 |
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James Suckling (97)The aromas of oysters and peaches combine beautifully with the blackberry and blackcurrant character. Black olives, too. Full-bodied, layered and very intense with chocolate, black fruit and an intense, savory finish. Best Bard ever. Try in 2020, but already so pretty. |
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California | 2 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£822.86 |
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Wine Advocate (97)Blended of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2015 The Bard offers up a very deep garnet-purple color and highly perfumed scents of violets, dried Provence herbs, lavender and tapenade over a core of cassis and blackberry preserves. Full-bodied and loaded with perfumed black fruit layers, it has a solid frame of rounded, plush-textured tannins and a provocatively earthy finish. 2,000 cases were made. |
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California | 2 | 98 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£1,130.06 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (98)Reminding me of a slightly fresher version of the 2013 (which is common for wines from the vintage), the 2016 The Bard checks in as 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Still inky hued, with a gorgeous perfume of blue and black fruits, crushed stone, violets, and graphite, this awesome wine is full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, has perfectly ripe tannins, and a solid spine of acidity that keeps the wine surprisingly fresh and lively. This ultra-classic, concentrated, incredibly impressive Cabernet Sauvignon will keep for 30 years or more. While the 2012 and 2015 are in the more opulent style, this is closer in style to the 2013 and 2018. |
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California | 1 | 96 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£848.44 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (96)Based mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon (87%) and a small amount of Merlot (13%), the 2017 The Bard is another ripe, sexy wine that has more sweetness of fruit than most in the vintage. Black cherries, blackberries, scorched earth, graphite, and some violets notes all dominate the nose, and it's beautifully textured and balanced on the palate. It’s beautiful today yet has 15-20 years of prime drinking ahead of it. |
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California | 1 | 98 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£820.46 |
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Vinous (98)The 2018 The Bard is fabulous and also one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted from Realm. Vertical structure, power and explosive energy infuse the 2018 with tremendous character. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, leather, licorice and lavender are some of the many notes that run through the 2018. This is the first vintage that includes a dollop of Petite Sirah from Bourn. It is also the first vintage in which a portion of the wine was aged in concrete eggs, which seems to add tension and a palpable sense of vibrancy. The Bard is a blend of 40 different lots, everything from Calistoga to Coombsville, a marriage of elements that works so well. Although none of these wines could be referred to as inexpensive, The Bard is a tremendous relative value within the context of high-end Napa Valley. I loved it. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Petite Sirah. |
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California | 4 | 98 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£770.06 |
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Vinous (98)The 2018 The Bard is fabulous and also one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted from Realm. Vertical structure, power and explosive energy infuse the 2018 with tremendous character. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, leather, licorice and lavender are some of the many notes that run through the 2018. This is the first vintage that includes a dollop of Petite Sirah from Bourn. It is also the first vintage in which a portion of the wine was aged in concrete eggs, which seems to add tension and a palpable sense of vibrancy. The Bard is a blend of 40 different lots, everything from Calistoga to Coombsville, a marriage of elements that works so well. Although none of these wines could be referred to as inexpensive, The Bard is a tremendous relative value within the context of high-end Napa Valley. I loved it. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Petite Sirah. |
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California | 9 | 99 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£819.64 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (99)The 2019 The Bard checks in as 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, and it’s another dense, rich, powerful wine from this team that readers are going to absolutely love. Coming from throughout the valley (it’s always a great representation of the vintage), it offers up a brilliant nose of crème de cassis, ripe plums, graphite, scorched earth, and chocolate. About as seamless as they come on the palate, it’s full-bodied and has a thrilling texture, building tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It’s one of those wines where I feel like I’m overusing adjectives, but it’s warranted. |
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California | 1 | 97 (WI) |
Inc. VAT
£957.26 |
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The Wine Independent (97)A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Petite Sirah, the fruit for the 2021 The Bard comes from sites across the valley, including some estate fruit and some sourced fruit. Deep garnet-purple colored, it shoots from the glass with vibrant notions of crushed black currants, red currant jelly, black raspberries, and pencil shavings, giving way to notes of lilacs, dark chocolate, and a waft of spearmint. The full-bodied palate is firm with ripe, fine-grained tannins and a lively backbone framing the tightly wound red, black, and blue fruit flavors, finishing with great length and a real skip in its step. |
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California | 1 | 97 (WI) |
Inc. VAT
£839.66 |
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The Wine Independent (97)A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Petite Sirah, the fruit for the 2021 The Bard comes from sites across the valley, including some estate fruit and some sourced fruit. Deep garnet-purple colored, it shoots from the glass with vibrant notions of crushed black currants, red currant jelly, black raspberries, and pencil shavings, giving way to notes of lilacs, dark chocolate, and a waft of spearmint. The full-bodied palate is firm with ripe, fine-grained tannins and a lively backbone framing the tightly wound red, black, and blue fruit flavors, finishing with great length and a real skip in its step. |
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California | 1 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,694.49 |
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Vinous (95)A dark, unctuous Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2013 Absurd is a terrific example of the Realm style at its best. Surprisingly open for such a young wine, the 2013 offers gorgeous textural richness and voluptuousness. Sweet dark cherry, blackberry, mocha, spices and crushed rocks are laced into the powerful yet seamless finish. The Absurd is remarkably nuanced for a wine with this much intensity. |
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California | 1 | 100 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£11,221.78 |
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Wine Advocate (100)A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot, is the 2014 The Absurd, basically a choice of their finest barrels, or as winemaker and owner Benoit Touquette says, “The crème de la crème.” This is another perfect wine equaling their incredible 2013. Yet the 2014 is slightly more forward and showy, as many 2013s are just beginning to shut down. There are 250 cases of this majestic wine that has an opaque purple color, extraordinary nose of spring flowers, blueberry, blackberry, creosote, charcoal, toast and spice. The wine has unbelievable fruit on the attack, midpalate and finish, compelling purity, texture and a finish of close to a full minute. It is (as advertised by the winery) a “showcase of the best of Napa Valley with the freedom of expression that results from no rules.” Drink now-2035. |
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California | 1 | 100 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,272.25 |
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Wine Advocate (100)A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot, is the 2014 The Absurd, basically a choice of their finest barrels, or as winemaker and owner Benoit Touquette says, “The crème de la crème.” This is another perfect wine equaling their incredible 2013. Yet the 2014 is slightly more forward and showy, as many 2013s are just beginning to shut down. There are 250 cases of this majestic wine that has an opaque purple color, extraordinary nose of spring flowers, blueberry, blackberry, creosote, charcoal, toast and spice. The wine has unbelievable fruit on the attack, midpalate and finish, compelling purity, texture and a finish of close to a full minute. It is (as advertised by the winery) a “showcase of the best of Napa Valley with the freedom of expression that results from no rules.” Drink now-2035. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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California | 1 | - |
In Bond
£3,568.00 |
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California | 1 | 99 (WA) |
In Bond
£4,052.00 |
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Wine Advocate (99)The one-acre parcel that goes into the Hartwell XX bottling was planted to Bosché-selection Cabernet that came from Grace Family. The near-perfect 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hartwell XX is almost floral on the nose, adding ripe cherries plus hints of mocha and pencil shavings, while the full-bodied palate is richly concentrated and velvety, with a long, harmonious finish. This wine somehow manages to harness awesome power into a smooth, seductive Stags Leap District ride. |
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California | 1 | 99 (WA) |
In Bond
£3,490.00 |
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Wine Advocate (99)The one-acre parcel that goes into the Hartwell XX bottling was planted to Bosché-selection Cabernet that came from Grace Family. The near-perfect 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hartwell XX is almost floral on the nose, adding ripe cherries plus hints of mocha and pencil shavings, while the full-bodied palate is richly concentrated and velvety, with a long, harmonious finish. This wine somehow manages to harness awesome power into a smooth, seductive Stags Leap District ride. |
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California | 1 | 98+ (WA) |
In Bond
£1,088.00 |
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Wine Advocate (98+)Realm took over the management of Farella vineyard in 2018. Since then, winemaker Benoit Touquette explained their focus has been to open out the canopy, creating better exposure for the fruit, aiming to achieve riper tannins. A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and a powerful, expressive nose of baked plums, juicy blackberries and blackcurrant pastilles, plus touches of black olives, lavender and cinnamon stick, with a waft of fragrant earth. The full-bodied palate is seriously dense and muscular, featuring a rock-solid foundation of super ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and energy. A spectacular showing for Farella! |
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California | 1 | - |
In Bond
£1,708.00 |
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California | 2 | - |
In Bond
£663.00 |
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California | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,154.00 |
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Vinous (93)The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard is very young and in need of time to be at its best. Today, it is boisterous and forward, but also not fully put together. Then again, this is a pretty rugged site. Black cherry, plum, grilled herbs, chocolate, leather, licorice and lavender are front and center in this decidedly brooding, potent Cabernet. |
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California | 3 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,236.00 |
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Vinous (96)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard is dark, voluptuous and enveloping. Inky blackberry fruit, chocolate, spice, licorice and espresso build in a sumptuous, potent Napa Valley Cabernet loaded with class. Winemaker Benoit Touquette coaxed an unreal amount of finesse in the tannins from this hillside site next to Brand and Colgin. This is an especially opulent, jammy style, and it all works so well. Time in the glass brings out striking energy and a whole range of floral accents that add brightness. There is an effortless grace that will make the 2018 very easy to drink with minimal cellaring. |
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California | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,399.00 |
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Vinous (97)The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard bristles with energy and tension. Inky, jammy fruit, gravel, spice, menthol, licorice and chocolate race across the palate. Readers will find a Cabernet that marries Napa Valley opulence from the structure and strong mineral inflections typical of this hillside site in the Vaca Mountains. This is a fabulous edition of the Houyi. The 2019 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon taken from six different blocks. |
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California | 1 | 97+ (VN) |
In Bond
£1,986.00 |
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Vinous (97+)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer emerges from Realm’s estate vineyard in Stags Leap. Inky, opulent and full-throttle, the Moonracer captures the personality of this site and vintage so well. Crème de cassis, licorice, spice, menthol, new French oak and lavender all flesh out as this sumptuous, exotic Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its racy curves. The 2018 needs a bit of time to fully come together, but it was only bottled this past June, which is to say later than most of the wines in Realm’s September 2020 release. Patience will be rewarded. For those who can’t wait, the 2018 starts to become approachable about 12 hours after opening. When the remainder of the 2018s are released in early 2021 readers will see a new, small bottling from the very top of the estate made from blocks planted with one of the most important legacy Cabernet Sauvignon clones in Napa Valley. But back to Moonracer. It is a wine that captures so much of what makes the Realm wines special and unique. The blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. |
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California | 1 | 97+ (VN) |
In Bond
£1,681.00 |
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Vinous (97+)The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer emerges from Realm’s estate vineyard in Stags Leap. Inky, opulent and full-throttle, the Moonracer captures the personality of this site and vintage so well. Crème de cassis, licorice, spice, menthol, new French oak and lavender all flesh out as this sumptuous, exotic Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its racy curves. The 2018 needs a bit of time to fully come together, but it was only bottled this past June, which is to say later than most of the wines in Realm’s September 2020 release. Patience will be rewarded. For those who can’t wait, the 2018 starts to become approachable about 12 hours after opening. When the remainder of the 2018s are released in early 2021 readers will see a new, small bottling from the very top of the estate made from blocks planted with one of the most important legacy Cabernet Sauvignon clones in Napa Valley. But back to Moonracer. It is a wine that captures so much of what makes the Realm wines special and unique. The blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. |
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California | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,692.00 |
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Vinous (97)From the Realm Estate in Stags Leap, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer is an elegant, sophisticated Cabernet that shows the nuanced side of Stags Leap in its red-toned fruit profile, floral aromatics and mid-weight structure. I would give the 2019 at least a few years in the bottle. There is a certain approachability to the 2019, but ultimately I think that might be a bit deceptive relative to the wine's ultimate potential. |
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California | 6 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,317.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)A strong effort, Realm's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, coming from a mix of older vines and newer plantings. Mixed red and black cherries appear on the nose, accented by hints of cedar and spice, while the medium- to full-bodied palate brings a suave, suede-like feel—that famous Stags Leap District texture. Ending long and harmonious, this is just a wonderful effort. |
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California | 2 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
£663.00 |
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Vinous (95)The darker side of Dr. Crane comes through in the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard. Raspberry jam wild flowers, menthol, licorice, dried herbs and smoke are all laced together in the glass. A dollop of Petit Verdot adds darkness, but at the end of the day, Dr. Crane can't be denied. No matter what, the 2012 still has plenty of the lift, silkiness and pure sensuality that distinguishes this site from so many others in St. Helena and Napa Valley. |
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California | 1 | 100 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,364.00 |
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Wine Advocate (100)A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, Realm's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard marries intoxicating complexity with unabashed intensity. Scents of ripe black cherries, crushed stone, dried herbs and even some suggestions of stone fruit all swirl together seamlessly on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is framed by smooth, fine-grained tannins. Showing impeccable concentration and length, it folds in complex nuances of dried spices on the softly tannic finish. |
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California | 1 | 95+ (VN) |
In Bond
£2,306.00 |
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Vinous (95+)The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard is quite primary and in need of time in bottle to show at its best. Inky dark fruit, lavender, menthol, new oak and sweet baking spices are all kicked up a few notches. Rich, plush and enveloping, the 2016 possesses tremendous intensity and tons of sheer allure. |
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California | 1 | 99 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,851.00 |
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Wine Advocate (99)Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color, requiring a little coaxing before it spills out of the glass with fantastically showy blackberry preserves, boysenberries and cassis notes, plus hints of black raspberries, clove oil and potpourri, with a touch of tobacco leaf. The decadent, full-bodied palate sports a firm backbone of ripe, grainy tannins with beautiful freshness. All that generous black fruit melds seamlessly into a very long, mineral-laced finish. |
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California | 1 | 97+ (WA) |
In Bond
£3,098.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97+)Realm's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard—a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc—features knockout aromas of black cherries, loamy earth and dried spices that suggest cinnamon and cardamom. It's full-bodied, velvety and richly concentrated, with a long finish that's softly tannic, even a touch dusty. While far from being unapproachable, it should be even better in a decade or so. |
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California | 1 | 97 (JS) |
In Bond
£825.00 |
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James Suckling (97)The aromas of oysters and peaches combine beautifully with the blackberry and blackcurrant character. Black olives, too. Full-bodied, layered and very intense with chocolate, black fruit and an intense, savory finish. Best Bard ever. Try in 2020, but already so pretty. |
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California | 2 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
£667.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)Blended of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2015 The Bard offers up a very deep garnet-purple color and highly perfumed scents of violets, dried Provence herbs, lavender and tapenade over a core of cassis and blackberry preserves. Full-bodied and loaded with perfumed black fruit layers, it has a solid frame of rounded, plush-textured tannins and a provocatively earthy finish. 2,000 cases were made. |
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California | 2 | 98 (JD) |
In Bond
£923.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (98)Reminding me of a slightly fresher version of the 2013 (which is common for wines from the vintage), the 2016 The Bard checks in as 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Still inky hued, with a gorgeous perfume of blue and black fruits, crushed stone, violets, and graphite, this awesome wine is full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, has perfectly ripe tannins, and a solid spine of acidity that keeps the wine surprisingly fresh and lively. This ultra-classic, concentrated, incredibly impressive Cabernet Sauvignon will keep for 30 years or more. While the 2012 and 2015 are in the more opulent style, this is closer in style to the 2013 and 2018. |
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California | 1 | 96 (JD) |
In Bond
£691.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (96)Based mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon (87%) and a small amount of Merlot (13%), the 2017 The Bard is another ripe, sexy wine that has more sweetness of fruit than most in the vintage. Black cherries, blackberries, scorched earth, graphite, and some violets notes all dominate the nose, and it's beautifully textured and balanced on the palate. It’s beautiful today yet has 15-20 years of prime drinking ahead of it. |
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California | 1 | 98 (VN) |
In Bond
£665.00 |
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Vinous (98)The 2018 The Bard is fabulous and also one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted from Realm. Vertical structure, power and explosive energy infuse the 2018 with tremendous character. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, leather, licorice and lavender are some of the many notes that run through the 2018. This is the first vintage that includes a dollop of Petite Sirah from Bourn. It is also the first vintage in which a portion of the wine was aged in concrete eggs, which seems to add tension and a palpable sense of vibrancy. The Bard is a blend of 40 different lots, everything from Calistoga to Coombsville, a marriage of elements that works so well. Although none of these wines could be referred to as inexpensive, The Bard is a tremendous relative value within the context of high-end Napa Valley. I loved it. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Petite Sirah. |
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California | 4 | 98 (VN) |
In Bond
£623.00 |
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Vinous (98)The 2018 The Bard is fabulous and also one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted from Realm. Vertical structure, power and explosive energy infuse the 2018 with tremendous character. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, leather, licorice and lavender are some of the many notes that run through the 2018. This is the first vintage that includes a dollop of Petite Sirah from Bourn. It is also the first vintage in which a portion of the wine was aged in concrete eggs, which seems to add tension and a palpable sense of vibrancy. The Bard is a blend of 40 different lots, everything from Calistoga to Coombsville, a marriage of elements that works so well. Although none of these wines could be referred to as inexpensive, The Bard is a tremendous relative value within the context of high-end Napa Valley. I loved it. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Petite Sirah. |
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California | 9 | 99 (JD) |
In Bond
£667.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (99)The 2019 The Bard checks in as 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, and it’s another dense, rich, powerful wine from this team that readers are going to absolutely love. Coming from throughout the valley (it’s always a great representation of the vintage), it offers up a brilliant nose of crème de cassis, ripe plums, graphite, scorched earth, and chocolate. About as seamless as they come on the palate, it’s full-bodied and has a thrilling texture, building tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It’s one of those wines where I feel like I’m overusing adjectives, but it’s warranted. |
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California | 1 | 97 (WI) |
In Bond
£779.00 |
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The Wine Independent (97)A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Petite Sirah, the fruit for the 2021 The Bard comes from sites across the valley, including some estate fruit and some sourced fruit. Deep garnet-purple colored, it shoots from the glass with vibrant notions of crushed black currants, red currant jelly, black raspberries, and pencil shavings, giving way to notes of lilacs, dark chocolate, and a waft of spearmint. The full-bodied palate is firm with ripe, fine-grained tannins and a lively backbone framing the tightly wound red, black, and blue fruit flavors, finishing with great length and a real skip in its step. |
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California | 1 | 97 (WI) |
In Bond
£681.00 |
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The Wine Independent (97)A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Petite Sirah, the fruit for the 2021 The Bard comes from sites across the valley, including some estate fruit and some sourced fruit. Deep garnet-purple colored, it shoots from the glass with vibrant notions of crushed black currants, red currant jelly, black raspberries, and pencil shavings, giving way to notes of lilacs, dark chocolate, and a waft of spearmint. The full-bodied palate is firm with ripe, fine-grained tannins and a lively backbone framing the tightly wound red, black, and blue fruit flavors, finishing with great length and a real skip in its step. |
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California | 1 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
£2,239.00 |
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Vinous (95)A dark, unctuous Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2013 Absurd is a terrific example of the Realm style at its best. Surprisingly open for such a young wine, the 2013 offers gorgeous textural richness and voluptuousness. Sweet dark cherry, blackberry, mocha, spices and crushed rocks are laced into the powerful yet seamless finish. The Absurd is remarkably nuanced for a wine with this much intensity. |
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California | 1 | 100 (WA) |
In Bond
£9,339.00 |
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Wine Advocate (100)A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot, is the 2014 The Absurd, basically a choice of their finest barrels, or as winemaker and owner Benoit Touquette says, “The crème de la crème.” This is another perfect wine equaling their incredible 2013. Yet the 2014 is slightly more forward and showy, as many 2013s are just beginning to shut down. There are 250 cases of this majestic wine that has an opaque purple color, extraordinary nose of spring flowers, blueberry, blackberry, creosote, charcoal, toast and spice. The wine has unbelievable fruit on the attack, midpalate and finish, compelling purity, texture and a finish of close to a full minute. It is (as advertised by the winery) a “showcase of the best of Napa Valley with the freedom of expression that results from no rules.” Drink now-2035. |
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California | 1 | 100 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,057.00 |
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Wine Advocate (100)A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot, is the 2014 The Absurd, basically a choice of their finest barrels, or as winemaker and owner Benoit Touquette says, “The crème de la crème.” This is another perfect wine equaling their incredible 2013. Yet the 2014 is slightly more forward and showy, as many 2013s are just beginning to shut down. There are 250 cases of this majestic wine that has an opaque purple color, extraordinary nose of spring flowers, blueberry, blackberry, creosote, charcoal, toast and spice. The wine has unbelievable fruit on the attack, midpalate and finish, compelling purity, texture and a finish of close to a full minute. It is (as advertised by the winery) a “showcase of the best of Napa Valley with the freedom of expression that results from no rules.” Drink now-2035. |
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