2016 Moonracer Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer Realm Estate takes things to another level in this retrospective. Inky and explosive to the core, the 2016 offers a compelling mélange of blackberry jam, licorice, leather, cedar, bittersweet chocolate and new French oak. Power, nuance and structure all come together in a large-scaled, impeccably balanced Cabernet that dazzles from start to finish. In a word: superb.
Critic scores
Average Score
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A wine of tremendous depth and explosive energy, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer Realm Estate is just fabulous. Inky blue/purplish fruit, bittersweet chocolate, leather, licorice and cedar infuse the 2016 with tremendous character. Powerful and yet refined, the Moonracer is a winner in 2016. It is also one of my personal favorites, and that leads to wonder to what degree having complete control of farming is the reason this wine has an extra something the others just don't.
The third vintage from this estate vineyard in Stag’s Leap, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot (which is close to the breakdown of the vineyard). It offers a beautiful bouquet of crème de cassis, spring flowers, graphite, and crushed rocks. While it doesn’t have the density of the To Kolan and Dr. Crane releases, it is seamless, full-bodied, incredibly complex, and multi-dimensional. Already impossible to resist, drink this pure, elegant beauty any time over the coming 20-25 years.
A fresh, rosemary and sage character to the dark fruit. Supreme nose. Full-bodied, very tight and compact with a long and intentional finish that grabs your attention. Very specific to the place. Drink in 2020.
About the producer
Realm Cellars has become one of Napa Valley’s most compelling modern estates, known for site-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. Drawing from some of the valley’s most sought-after vineyards, Realm’s wines consistently earn top critical acclaim while remaining firmly rooted in place.