2009 The Falstaff Proprietary Red
Buying options
Tasting notes
(55% cabernet franc, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot and 5% petit verdot): Full red-ruby. Cassis, licorice, tobacco and tarry oak on the nose and palate, complicated by pepper and herbs. Quite dry and light on its feet, showing more herbal lift and definition but less flamboyance today than the Bard. Finishes with suave tannins and good spicy persistence. Seemed to grow firmer in the glass. I'd hold this for a couple years before pulling the cork.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Falstaff is 55% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Dark fruit, mocha, licorice, scorched earth and new leather are some of the notes that flow from this deep, muscular wine. This is naturally quite a bit bigger than the Tempest, and every bit as beautiful.
The 2009 Falstaff is 55% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Dark fruit, mocha, licorice, scorched earth and new leather are some of the notes that flow from this deep, muscular wine. This is naturally quite a bit bigger than the Tempest, and every bit as beautiful. 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.