2009 The Tempest Proprietary Red
Buying options
Tasting notes
(53% merlot, 42% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot): Good full ruby-red. Aromas of black fruits, minerals, licorice and spicy oak. Dense, bright and concentrated, with a slightly high-toned character to the rather plush flavors of cassis and bitter chocolate. A bit youthfully medicinal today, not particularly sweet but structured to age. A step up in depth and structure from the Bard and the Falstaff bottlings, combining the texture of merlot with the firm spine of cabernet.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
2009 is the first vintage to have been blended by Michel Rolland. This is a gorgeous set of wines that deserves considerable attention. The 2009 The Tempest is a beautiful, graceful wine laced with expressive red fruit, flowers and spices. It shows lovely mid-palate pliancy and fabulous length in an understated, feminine style. Bright floral notes are nicely layered into the finish.
The 2009 The Tempest is a beautiful, graceful wine laced with expressive red fruit, flowers and spices. It shows lovely mid-palate pliancy and fabulous length in an understated, feminine style. Bright floral notes are nicely layered into the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Realm is one of the most exciting young wineries in Napa Valley. Wendell Laidley and Juan Mercado founded Realm in 2002. Since then, they have put together an impressive collection of vineyard sources. Benoit Touquette, a protege of Michel Rolland, is now the winemaker. Rolland collaborated on the blends beginning in 2009. This is a gorgeous set of wines that deserves considerable attention. Available through Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404
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.