2015 The Tempest Proprietary Red
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Tasting notes
The 2015 The Tempest is packed with super-ripe dark fruit, chocolate, white truffle, espresso and sweet oak. All things considered, the 2015 has aged well and still has time to go, but the stylistic imprint and overall opulence here are impossible to miss. This is a terrific showing.
Critic scores
Average Score
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2015 The Tempest is soft, easygoing and absolutely gorgeous. Sweet dark cherry, black plum, lavender, licorice and spice are nicely pushed forward. Juicy and open-knit, with soft tannins, the 2015 is another wine in that is drinking very well now.
Blueberry, blackberry, and licorice aromas follow through to a full body. Tight and juicy and fruity. Fantastic depth and intensity. Extremely long and vivid. A blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Better in 2021.
With the highest percentage of Merlot (95% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 The Tempest is made with immediate appeal in mind. And it delivers. This knockout Merlot gives up a huge nose of blueberries, currants, licorice, Asian spices and chocolate. This flows to a full-bodied, gorgeously layered 2015 that has the massive, succulent fruit profile of the vintage, yet stays, pure, elegant and seamless, with building tannin. I don’t see any need to hold off, but it will keep for 15-20+ years, easily. One of the most thrilling tastings I was able to do for this report, these incredible wines from Realm are made by the talented Frenchman, Benoit Touquette. These are true blockbuster, magical wines I wish every reader could taste.
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.