2012 Realm Cellars, The Bard, Napa Valley 1x750ml

Robert Parker 99

The 2012 Proprietary Red The Bard, a 500-case blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, is meant to showcase the finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes they access from such great Napa Valley sites as Beckstoffer To Kalon, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane, Fortuna and Weitz. Beautiful notes of pungent baking spices, licorice, melted chocolate, espresso, blackberries and cassis soar from the glass of this ostentatious, flamboyant, classic, locked-and-loaded Cabernet Sauvignon. There is some tannin lurking under the surface, but this majestic superstar behaves as if it wants to be drunk young as well as over the next 15-20 years. [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 30/10/2014]

Vinous 94+

The 2012 The Bard is the deepest and richest of Realm’s non vineyard-designate wines. Lavender, violets, smoke, mint, dark spices, plums and blackberry jam meld together in a rich, pliant wine loaded with depth, texture and pure voluptuousness. A powerful, explosive finish rounds things out in this decidedly plush, extroverted wine. [Antonio Galloni, 12/01/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027