2002 Realm The Tempest
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Tasting notes
The Tempest is the proprietors’ homage to a Right Bank Bordeaux as it is composed primarily of Merlot (from Yountville). The 2002 The Tempest, a blend of 72% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, exhibits a deep, rich, attractive personality revealing notes of spice box, cedar, flowers, plums, black currants, and cherries. Silky-textured and luscious, it can be enjoyed now and over the next 8-10 years. A new project of Juan Marcado, a former winemaker at Pax, and Mike Heiby, a former assistant winemaker at Behrens and Hitchcock, the Realm wines are produced at a winery on Spring Mountain. Classic Burgundian techniques are used to make these Bordeaux-styled offerings, including a 5-day pre-fermentation cold soak, extended maceration, some lees stirring, minimal racking, 20+ months in 100% new French oak, and no filtration at bottling. Some of the Realm production was stored in the Mare Island wine warehouse, which caught fire last October, but, hopefully, none of these cuvees were in that facility. P.S. Like most high quality newcomers to the California wine scene, this estate demonstrates little modesty with respect to their pricing policy. Distributed by Polaner Selections; Tel. (914) 244-0404
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(72% merlot and 14% each cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon) Full medium ruby. Vibrant aromas of candied blackberry, violet, minerals and bitter chocolate. Sweet, juicy and pliant, with enticing flavors of blackberry, cassis, violet and menthol. Finishes quite long, with a flavor of chocolatey oak. From an excellent merlot year, notes Hirby, who added that the merlot in 2003 was affected by "massive shatter" from the south side of Oakville south to Carneros.
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.