Realm Cellars The Bard Proprietary Blend, Napa Valley, USA 2021

VINTAGE : 2019

COUNTRY : USA

REGION/APPELLATION : California, Napa Valley

VARIETALS : Cabernet Sauvignon

We started this endeavor to explore the realm of possibility – both in Napa Valley and in ourselves. From fledgling start-up to an established domaine, the ethos of Realm Cellars has always been to dare greatly. Yet the journey represents more than a quest for greatness in winegrowing. Through the seasons, Realm has become the collective effort of a team to transform nature into humanity.

The flagship of Realm’s portfolio, The Bard is the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated Proprietary Blend we’ve made since 2003. We consider The Bard to be the most dynamic expression of Napa Valley: a blend of grapes from Coombsville to Calistoga, from the east to the west sides, from the hillsides to the valley floor. Dense, weighty, and concentrated, The Bard always punches above its weight, and with multiple dimensions coming together in harmony, there is more than meets the eye in this complex wine. Outstanding vineyards such as Beckstoffer To Kalon, Beckstoffer Bourn, Blair, Houyi, Larkmead, Realm SLD Estate, Farella, Orchard and Bettinelli Upper Range have all found a place in the wine. While the composition of The Bard varies from year to year, Cabernet Sauvignon typically comprises over 70% of the blend, joined by lesser percentages of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

"Lastly, the 2021 The Bard checks in as 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah. This beauty has a killer bouquet of cassis, spring flowers, graphite, chalky minerality, and violets. This carries to a full-bodied, seamless, silky, flawlessly balanced effort revealing fine tannins, a good sense of freshness, and a thrilling finish." Jeb Dunnuck 98