Realm Cellars

The Bard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

9.5698 ratings
9.5122 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy, Salami & Prosciutto, Exotic Spices, Baking Spices, Herbs, Chicken, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Soft Cheese, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Blue Cheese, Onion
Top Notes For
"Odedi"

I've had many different vintages of this gorgeous wine, and it always delivers.

Still very young, but already delicious.

Rich, yet elegant and fruit forward.

14.6% alcohol by volume.

94 points

I've had many different vintages of this gorgeous wine, and it always delivers.

Still very young, but already delicious.

Rich, yet elegant and fruit forward.

14.6% alcohol by volume.

94 points

Mar 2nd, 2024
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

This is 93-94 this young. I was a little surprised they slotted this last in the tasting. I would have led with it. However, it didn’t end up being our last wine. Leslie was kind enough to open another.

Both plums, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, mix of dark berry cola, nice, soft baking spices-nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, vanillin, grainy limestone, wet clay, dark, rich, forest floor, some dry herbs, excellent fresh & withering florals that are a combination of; dark, red, some blue and violets, nice round acidity, a smooth, elegant finish that softly structured, balanced and wire to wire smooth and elegant with a full minute finish.

Photos of; a pano of their stunning view of Pritchard Hill, Their dual sided wall of fame of bottles the staff at the estate have enjoyed and their tasting room table. They did an excellent job curating it.

This is 93-94 this young. I was a little surprised they slotted this last in the tasting. I would have led with it. However, it didn’t end up being our last wine. Leslie was kind enough to open another.

Both plums, blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, mix of dark berry cola, nice, soft baking spices-nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, vanillin, grainy limestone, wet clay, dark, rich, forest floor, some dry herbs, excellent fresh & withering florals that are a combination of; dark, red, some blue and violets, nice round acidity, a smooth, elegant finish that softly structured, balanced and wire to wire smooth and elegant with a full minute finish.

Photos of; a pano of their stunning view of Pritchard Hill, Their dual sided wall of fame of bottles the staff at the estate have enjoyed and their tasting room table. They did an excellent job curating it.

Jan 27th, 2024
Delectable Wine

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9.5

The 2021 The Bard is fabulous. Rich, ample and beautifully resonant, the 2021 offers up generous dark red cherry/plum fruit, mocha, new leather, licorice, spice, menthol and pipe tobacco. Full-bodied and voluptuous, the 2021 flaunts tons of flavor intensity and vibrancy. It’s a gorgeous wine, especially considering it is the largest-production wine at Realm. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2023)

The 2021 The Bard is fabulous. Rich, ample and beautifully resonant, the 2021 offers up generous dark red cherry/plum fruit, mocha, new leather, licorice, spice, menthol and pipe tobacco. Full-bodied and voluptuous, the 2021 flaunts tons of flavor intensity and vibrancy. It’s a gorgeous wine, especially considering it is the largest-production wine at Realm. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2023)

Dec 27th, 2023
Al Shikoh

fully opaque ruby violet with prominent tears;cassis, black cherry, plum, graphite; very intense fruit and great texture; full bodied, medium+ acidity, furry tannins, 14.6% ABV; $110

fully opaque ruby violet with prominent tears;cassis, black cherry, plum, graphite; very intense fruit and great texture; full bodied, medium+ acidity, furry tannins, 14.6% ABV; $110

Jun 12th, 2021
Roy Goble

The 18’s arrived so we uncorked The Bard. Simply delicious.

The 18’s arrived so we uncorked The Bard. Simply delicious.

Oct 28th, 2020
Mike R
9.5

This is a great wine and will improve as it still a baby but drinks fantastic right now - I know it will always pleases

This is a great wine and will improve as it still a baby but drinks fantastic right now - I know it will always pleases

Oct 15th, 2020
Al Shikoh

inky dark purple; somewhat muted, cassis, anise, red currants, violets, pencil shavings; very concentrated, red and black fruits, fine grained tannins, medium acidity, 14.6% ABV; blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot; very young, still one of my favorite Realm wines; $110

inky dark purple; somewhat muted, cassis, anise, red currants, violets, pencil shavings; very concentrated, red and black fruits, fine grained tannins, medium acidity, 14.6% ABV; blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot; very young, still one of my favorite Realm wines; $110

Jan 3rd, 2020
Roy Goble

It’s going to be a Benoit kind of night.

It’s going to be a Benoit kind of night.

Dec 31st, 2019
Ron R
9.6

Just outstanding in every way.
Happy Xmas.

Just outstanding in every way.
Happy Xmas.

Dec 26th, 2019
Roy Goble

Still my “best value” from Realm . First taste of the 2017.

Still my “best value” from Realm . First taste of the 2017.

Oct 27th, 2019