2013 Realm Cellars The Falstaff Proprietary Red Rutherford 1x750ml

Vinous 92

Sweet black cherries, mocha, spices, new leather and mint meld together in the 2013 Falstaff, another soft, resonant wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Expressive aromatics from the high percentage of Oakville Cabernet Franc gives the Falstaff much of its signature perfume. The 2013 is sweet, unctuous and expressive, with a final burst of acidity that brightens up the finish. [Antonio Galloni, 10/01/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2017-2023

Robert Parker 99

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, this should drink well for a decade or more, if you can resist it that long. [22/12/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025