Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Realm Cellars – The Bard – Red Blend – 2022
Napa Valley AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Realm Cellars’ flagship proprietary red, The Bard represents the most expansive and dynamic expression of Napa Valley terroir. The 2022 vintage is Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant (approximately 70%), supported by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, with exact proportions varying by year. Sourced from a broad range of elite vineyards spanning Coombsville to Calistoga and both valley floor and hillside sites, this wine is designed to showcase Napa Valley in its full breadth and power.

Aromas & Flavors
Dense and expressive aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry compote, and dark plum lead the profile, followed by graphite, cocoa, crushed stone, and subtle baking spice. As it opens, notes of espresso, cedar, and savory herbs emerge, adding layers of depth and complexity.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, weighty, and concentrated, with a rich core of dark fruit framed by structured yet polished tannins. Despite its power, the wine maintains balance and freshness, carrying seamlessly into a long, impactful finish.

Food Pairings
Prime rib, grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, venison, or aged cheeses such as aged Cheddar, Comté, or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Verdict
A bold yet refined Napa Valley red that captures Realm’s philosophy of sourcing greatness across sites to build a wine of exceptional depth, richness, and presence. The Bard remains a benchmark proprietary blend that delivers both immediate pleasure and cellar-worthy structure.

Did You Know?
The Bard draws fruit from some of Napa Valley’s most revered vineyards, including Beckstoffer To Kalon, Beckstoffer Bourn, Blair, Houyi, and Larkmead, contributing to its layered complexity and distinctive Napa identity.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is a wine every serious wine lover should have in their cellar. Powerful, delicious, and unapologetically Napa, The Bard delivers depth, impact, and pure enjoyment in every glass. — 2 days ago

James K

9.6

Drinking with the coolest guy I’ve ever met @Paul K — 5 days ago

with J and Paul

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.6

2010 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 30 minutes and 1.5 hours. Light-medium/medium body. Silky, supple and supremely beautiful-for Bordeaux. Beautiful closure on a lengthy finish. So much attention to detail without it being overtly obvious. Exceptional beauty and a fave, cutting edge BDX producer-along with Durfort-Vivens in Margaux to taste the possibilities of the region. For Pauillac, nearly as gorgeous as Pichon-Lalande...a very close second. This was so stunning. 12.5.25. — 14 days ago

Pooneet K

9.2

Don’t drink a ton of Napa cab but it’s nice to have a nice one made in a somewhat more restrained style. 13.5%. Definitely young, the air helps - would wait several years or give a big decant. But even without a ton of that still very good with deep berry fruit, oaky dusty tannins that are relatively balanced. Great acid on the long finish. Excellent pairing with steaks and lamb chops at Sammy’s Ye Olde Cider Mill. — 14 days ago

Ron R

9.6

Not the best of vintage in Bdx, but the winemaker clearly pulled off some acrobatics here.
Nose displays the usual Cos spice-box signature, along with notes of forest floor, sage and mushrooms. Palate is rich and dense showing no signs of age. Nice mature casis profile links up with brambles and sandalwood. Tannins continue to prop up this outstanding example. — 6 days ago

with Andrew and Rick

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2015 vintage. Opened and decanted. Tasted after 2 hours open. Medium-medium heavy body. Some feminine-styled fruit offerings but lacking grip/tannins and balance. Underwhelming based on tasting this offering since 1983. BLNT. 12.04.25. — 14 days ago

Brian S

9.5

Fantastic bottling! — 14 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

2014 vintage. 375 ML format. Tasted with @Neil Valenzuela Gorgeous, somewhat candied and dominant melon fruits evident currently. In the youthful, know it all phase now. Has the basis/structure for the long haul. Load up the truck now or in three decades. Thank you @Neil Valenzuela So good. 12.10.25. — 8 days ago

with Neil

romo

9.4

Bit volatile day one, all business day two. Big Xmas spice, feather light feel. Beware the bottle variation. — 5 days ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.1

Deep purple color. Aromas of blackberry, huckleberry, lavender and spices. Jammy blackberry flavors, espresso and oak on the finish.

🏅91 Points - James Suckling
🏅90 Points - Wine Enthusiast — 18 days ago