2023 The Tempest Proprietary Red
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Tasting notes
Based on 61% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Sirah and aged 11 months in 72% new French oak, the 2023 The Tempest was bottled in January 2025. It offers beautifully textured and upfront black cherries, chocolaty herbs, tobacco, and gravelly earth. Medium to full-bodied, it has integrated acidity, sweet tannins, and a great finish. This pure, layered Merlot has tons to love and will evolve for two decades. Drink 2025-2045.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2023 The Tempest is elegant, refined and wonderfully pure. Floral and savory notes lift the wine beautifully. This delicate, mid-weight Merlot-based blend is all charm. Rose petal, mint and lavender grace the aromatic, expansive finish.
Roughly the same blend and sourcing as the 2022, Realm's 2023 The Tempest displays a lovely herbal-floral element not seen in prior releases. Combined with the intense black cherries, the result is something special. In the mouth, this medium- to full-bodied wine is smooth and silky. Long, with hints of mocha on the finish and framed by fine-grained tannins, this is elegant, lovely stuff.
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.