2009 Farella Cabernet Sauvignon
Buying options
Tasting notes
(100% cabernet sauvignon, from a cool Coombsville site): Medium ruby-red. Currant, black cherry, espresso and chocolatey oak on the nose. Plush, sweet and easygoing, with a pliant texture to the flavors of currant, licorice and graphite. Balanced to give early pleasure but the wine's dusty building tannins and chocolatey persistence suggest that it will gain in complexity with some time in bottle.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard comes across as not full formed. It shows plenty of fruit, but less of the nuances that defines the very finest wines in the line up. Spices, dark red fruit, flowers and licorice wrap around the plush finish. This is an excellent choice for drinking over the near-term, even if the 100% new oak remains a bit prominent.
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard comes across as not full formed. It shows plenty of fruit, but less of the nuances that defines the very finest wines in the line up. Spices, dark red fruit, flowers and licorice wrap around the plush finish. This is an excellent choice for drinking over the near-term, even if the 100% new oak remains a bit prominent. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Realm is one of the most exciting young wineries in Napa Valley. Wendell Laidley and Juan Mercado founded Realm in 2002. Since then, they have put together an impressive collection of vineyard sources. Benoit Touquette, a protege of Michel Rolland, is now the winemaker. Rolland collaborated on the blends beginning in 2009. This is a gorgeous set of wines that deserves considerable attention. Available through Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404
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.