2003 The Tempest Proprietary Red

The Tempest is the proprietors’ homage to a Right Bank Bordeaux as it is composed primarily of Merlot (from Yountville). Made from 76% Merlot, and equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2003 The Tempest reveals a deep ruby/plum/purple color followed by a fruity, juicy nose of licorice, spice box, dried herbs, black currants, and cherries. Opulent, deep, fleshy, and voluptuously-textured, with a fruity, long finish, it can be drunk now, and should age for 8-12 years. A new project of Juan Marcado, a former winemaker at Pax, and Mike Heiby, a former assistant winemaker at Behrens and Hitchcock, the Realm wines are produced at a winery on Spring Mountain. Classic Burgundian techniques are used to make these Bordeaux-styled offerings, including a 5-day pre-fermentation cold soak, extended maceration, some lees stirring, minimal racking, 20+ months in 100% new French oak, and no filtration at bottling. Some of the Realm production was stored in the Mare Island wine warehouse, which caught fire last October, but, hopefully, none of these cuvees were in that facility. P.S. Like most high quality newcomers to the California wine scene, this estate demonstrates little modesty with respect to their pricing policy. Distributed by Polaner Selections; Tel. (914) 244-0404