Yes—exactly that kind of wine: timeless, composed, and quietly authoritative.
It smells so good on first pour. Damp pine forest floor and clean mountain air register immediately. Everything else unravels from there; but that initial pop-and-pour sniff is pure magic.
On the palate, blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, and dried herbs unfold with control, carried by freshness and finely etched tannins in a medium body.
So classic, so intellectual, and deeply mesmerizing. Drink now or age. — 24 days ago
Single Vineyard Tempranillo from Central Spain. Dark ruby/purple color. Aromas of ripe black fruit, tobacco, wet soil and anise seed. Flavors of cooked black cherries, currants and plums, dark cocoa powder, black olives and vanilla. Nicely integrated toasty oak on the long and plush finish. Full bodied. Extremely complex and nicely balanced. Well integrated and very smooth tannins. Bold and very well structured. Quite satisfying. Outstanding quality for the price. Great pick, Petey! — 11 days ago
Realm Cellars – Farella Vineyard – Red– 2021
Coombsville AVA – Napa Valley – California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A site-driven, estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Realm Cellars’ Farella Vineyard in the cool-climate Coombsville AVA. The 2021 vintage is composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from a high-elevation block within the vineyard known as the “rockpile,” named for its dense concentration of stone and gravel soils. This unique position in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains delivers natural freshness, complexity, and refined structure.
Aromas & Flavors
Layered aromas of red and black cherry, cassis, and ripe plum unfold alongside graphite, crushed stone, subtle floral tones, and hints of cedar. As the wine opens, nuanced notes of spice, earth, and mineral depth continue to build, revealing impressive complexity.
Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with a remarkably polished and silky texture. The tannins are refined and seamless, offering structure without weight. Fresh acidity from the cool Coombsville site carries the wine effortlessly through a long, graceful finish.
Food Pairings
Herb-crusted lamb, grilled filet mignon, roasted duck breast, mushroom-forward dishes, or aged hard cheeses.
Verdict
A beautifully composed Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that emphasizes elegance over brute force. Complex, multi-layered, and progressively expressive, this is a refined interpretation of mountain-influenced Coombsville Cabernet.
Did You Know?
Coombsville is one of Napa Valley’s coolest AVAs, influenced by morning fog and volcanic soils from the Vaca Mountain range, often producing Cabernets with heightened aromatic complexity and natural acidity.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
I was genuinely surprised by how smooth and delicate this wine is for a site of such intensity. Multi-layered, graceful, and beautifully balanced, it’s an exceptional Cabernet that showcases finesse as much as depth. — a month ago
1hour decant(some chunky/fine sediment). A striking still dark magenta color with little bricking. On the nose: Inviting notes of sweet red/blue fruit, smoked meat, floral, worn leather, nutmeg, wet forest floor. Taste: velvety, smooth, elegant, savory mature wine with dried cherries, cocoa, leather, scorched earth, and a minerally mocha long lingering finish. YUM!! — 17 days ago


Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7
I had a 1997 just over 2 years ago. Even with a 4 hour decant it wouldn’t budge. Still have a mag of 97, I don’t know when to even think about opening that one.
Last had 4 years ago and was excited to check in - this didn’t disappoint. That perfect ridge mix of old world sensibility and composition with new world fruit and character. 13.8%. Finish is long with nice acid. Great pairing with steaks. Nice wine.
Happy New Year! — 19 days ago
Well, here we are two years later, back at the same BYOB for New Year’s Eve with the same wine. I figured 35 years was enough—it was time to drink it.
Same treatment as in 2024: opened and decanted, then poured about two hours later. This time the nose offered noticeably more—cedar, a touch of vegetal character, and dark berries. On the palate, dark berries again took the lead. The finish was good, but at the very end it seemed to stop just a bit short but still giving it a 95. At Anthony’s — 19 days ago
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
2007 vintage. Perfect fill and excellent cork. Used a Durand. Decanted with some expected unfined/unfiltered sed that was the size/texture of Ovaltine or Folger’s, freeze-dried, coffee crystals. Gamey, meaty nose mated with cranberry. Tasted after 45 minutes open. Still medium-heavy body although another few years of aging will drop it to medium body. The cranberry and gamey/meaty impressions remained intact in the flavors and some pomegranate spritz and blood orange notes came along for the ride. Complex and impressive. No rush to crush. 1.9.26. — 11 days ago