2007 Realm The Bard
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Tasting notes
(includes 9% petit verdot and 4% cabernet franc) Bright ruby-red. Aromatic nose combines red and dark berries, flowers and licorice. Crunchy dark berry flavors are nicely framed by sound acidity and lifted by a floral element, with a subtle minerality running through the wine. From vines in their 6th leaf; winemaker Hirby makes this blend for early appeal, and today the wine's baby fat indeed buffers its tannins nicely.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The brilliant 2007 The Bard Proprietary Red (87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc) is the most flamboyant of these wines. One could also say it is the sexiest. Gorgeously exuberant and filled with personality, this dense purple-colored 2007 offers up notes of melted chocolate, creme de cassis, licorice, cedar, and underbrush. This ostentatious, incredibly pure, deep, fleshy, full-bodied sex pot of a wine can be drunk now or cellared for a decade or more. An outstanding, small, high quality winery that did not make it into my Napa report in issue #186, Realm has turned out a beautiful portfolio of 2007 reds, all of which are made at Chateau Boswell in Napa Valley. The innovative blends (all dedicated to William Shakespeare) are of very high quality. Tel. (707) 967-0226; Fax (707) 967-0227
(88% cabernet sauvignon, 8% petit verdot and 4% cabernet franc) Good ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of red berries and licorice. Silky in texture but a bit unforthcoming in the middle palate, hinting at redcurrant, plum, spices and herbs. Less expressive today than the Tempest, but longer on the aftertaste. This is locked up now but possesses a solid core of smoky fruit.
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.