2021 The Tempest Proprietary Red
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Tasting notes
A Merlot-dominant blend, Realm's 2021 The Tempest is 67% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec, sourced predominantly from Farella in Coombsville. Lovely aromas of cherries are joined by hints of mocha, cedar and vanilla on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is juicy and red fruited, supple, with some earthy undercurrents and the barest hint of warmth on the finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The Merlot-dominated 2021 The Tempest is a ripe, powerful wine with gorgeous blackcurrants, ripe cherries, chocolate, and flowery incense aromas and flavors that just about jump out of the glass. It's rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, and while they've changed the fruit sources here (more focused on the southern part of the appellation), this is still a rich, powerful wine.
The 2021 The Tempest is dark, plush and super-expressive. Soft contours make this a fine choice for drinking now and over the next decade. A shift in vineyard sourcing to Farella for the Merlot gives the Tempest more floral and savory depth than in the past. Dried herbs, lavender, fresh blueberry, spice and menthol linger on the fresh, mid-weight finish. This is an especially delicate style for Realm.
A full yet tensioned red with blackcurrants and black berries with a gorgeous center palate that is framed beautifully with lovely tannin tension that is integrated into the wine. Weightless richness. 75% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon, 5% malbec. Delicious already but can age beautifully.
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.