2006 Realm The Bard
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Tasting notes
(a blend of 64% cabernet sauvignon, 24% petit verdot and 12% merlot) Complex aromas of redcurrant, black cherry, cocoa powder, herbs and mint. Plump and lush, with good life and noteworthy depth to the fruit and spice flavors. The tannins are firm but sweeter than those of the Tempest and the finish boasts lovely aromatic persistence.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2006 The Bard, a combination of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Petit Verdot, and 12% Merlot, offers beautiful notes of graphite, smoked herbs, burning embers, blackberries, and cassis. Ripe, broad fruit flavors are loaded with glycerin and extract. This extravagantly opulent 2006 reveals a long, heady finish with no hard edges. Despite the relatively high percentage of Petit Verdot, it can be drunk now and over the next 12-15+ years. Production for these cuvees ranges from a low of 160 cases to a high of 400 cases. Tel. (707) 967-0226; Fax (707) 967-0227
Medium ruby-red. Pure, primary aromas of currant, black cherry and licorice. Dense and sappy, with very good precision to the vibrant flavors of maraschino cherry, licorice and menthol. Not yet especially complex or fleshy, but this high-pitched wine has the juicy acidity and tannic spine to evolve positively in barrel and in bottle. Finishes with fine, building tannins. Showing a much lighter hand with the new oak than the 2005.
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.