2014 Realm The Bard
Region: Calistoga, Napa Valley, North Coast, California, United States of America
First red on the fourth night aboard the Harmony of the Seas. Tonight is our second time at Chops Grille. Excellent meat dishes for this wine. No decant this time.
Deep purplish red. Rich nose with sweet cinnamon, vanilla, blackberries, cassis, dark gravel and dark cocoa. Heavy tannins (7.5/10) and full bodied. Lush palate with blue and black fruits as well as baking spices, purple flowers and a bit of minerals. Long and lingering finish with a touch of heat. Could use a short decant next time.
Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend with around 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest being made up of Merlot and Petit Verdot.
2017 till 2033.
Price Point:
$$$ - Can be purchased for $125.00 from the estate.Third red of the cruise, and given around a two hour decant.
Deep and dark ruby red that completely coats the glass. A touch stinky to start on the nose that opened up with layers of dark cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, a touch of chalk, purple flowers and dark gravel. Heavy tannins (7/10) and full bodied. Tons of spices and fruits, like black currants, nutmeg, anise and black berries. Long and lingering finish. Definitely improvement over the last time we tried this bottling, it will only get better with some more bottle age.
Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend with around 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest being made up of Merlot and Petit Verdot.
2017 till 2035.
Price Point:
$$$ - Can be purchased for $125.00 from the estate.Dark and deep ruby red with a purplish core. Dark brooding fruits on the nose with notes of sweet tobacco and baking spices. A bit of dark cherries too. Moderate tannins (6.5/10) and medium plus bodied. Needs some time to beef up and integrate a bit further. Lots of dark chocolate, a little savory, and tons of baking spices like vanilla extract and cinnamon. Some darker berries on the palate too. Long and lingering finish.
Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend with around 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest being made up of Merlot and Petit Verdot.
2018 till 2030.
Price Point:
$$$ - Tasted at the estate. Can be purchased for $125.00 from the estate.