Score: |
99 RP. "The 2013 Falstaff, which is a blend of 42% Cabernet Franc, 42% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, is pushing perfection (but that will come with three other offerings made by Realm). This wine emanates from two great vineyards that don't get as much recognition as they deserve, Fortuna and Weitz, with the Blair Vineyard offering up some grapes as well. The wine has a dense purple color to the rim, flowery opulence, beautiful blueberry and blackberry fruit, some forest floor, and even some hints of black raspberries, mocha, tobacco leaf and lavender. An incredibly velvety, in-your-face, stunningly proportioned wine . . . . There is a brilliant team of creative people behind the wines of Realm, led by French winemaker Benoit Touquette, who was mentored by the famous Libournais Michel Rolland and then got his first job in Napa working for consultant Andy Erickson. He is now working with another top talent, Realm founder Juan Mercado. It's worth a look at their website, www.realmcellars.com, for a list of the entire team that's been involved and the incredible experiences they've had working with some of the finest wineries, vineyards and talented minds in Napa Valley. As the following tasting notes indicate, they've hit major home runs across the board in 2013." Wine Advocate #222, Dec 2015 |