2008 Realm The Bard
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
(14.9% alcohol; 81% cabernet sauvignon with 13% petit verdot and 6% malbec): Full ruby. Reticent but pure aromas of black cherry, cassis, menthol and woodsmoke. Lush and sweet on entry, then a bit youthfully clenched in the middle, with bright acidity framing the purple fruit, chocolate and licorice flavors. In a tougher and more obviously tannic style than the Falstaff bottling and in need of at least three or four years of bottle aging.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Exhibiting plenty of tannin, the 2008 The Bard (81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, and 6% Malbec) is a bigger-framed, more masculine wine, with tell-tale cassis, licorice and spice box notes. Full-bodied but much less seductive at present than the Tempest or Falstaff, this wine will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and should keep for 10-15 years. These beautiful, lovingly made, hand-crafted wines are all bottled unfined and unfiltered. Tel. (707) 967-0226; fax (707) 967-0227
(81% cabernet sauvignon, 13% petit verdot and 6% malbec) Deep ruby-red. Aromas of blackberry, violet and licorice are complicated by a flinty nuance. Sweet, concentrated and fine-grained, with a distinctly suave texture to the flavors of black fruits and gunflint. Showing a lovely early balance, and a bright rising finish.
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.