Realm Cellars
Houyi Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
I feel like I haven’t opened a Napa cab (or any wine, for that matter) in recent memory that struck me the way this one did in terms of absolute peak drinking. Both fortunately (because I love the wines) and unfortunately (I was priced out of Realm a few years ago) this was undeniably in the zone amongst a table of ‘13 Bryant DB4, ‘07 Insignia, ‘12 Kapscandy Estate Reserve, and others.
Pop and pour. Extremely aromatic with dark fruits (more blue and black side of the spectrum) and dark florals (violets)…very Pritchard Hill. The texture of this wine is a modern marvel…how a 2013 100% Cabernet from PH can be this sexy/opulent but still so bright is beyond me. The rich and dark fruit is surrounded by graphite, espresso, dark cocoa, and sweet (not tart) cassis that carry the weightless yet flavor packed profile to a finish that lingers. Plenty of tannin and acid to keep this balanced for years, but this is absolutely the zenith of where it will be for balance of flavors. Don’t miss this window.
I haven’t been this star struck on a mid-aged Napa cab in a while, but this has it all. After opening the 2015 Realm Dr Crane earlier this year, this was more impressive (and DrCrane is my favorite vineyard). Wish Realm was still in my “realm” of purchasing!
I feel like I haven’t opened a Napa cab (or any wine, for that matter) in recent memory that struck me the way this one did in terms of absolute peak drinking. Both fortunately (because I love the wines) and unfortunately (I was priced out of Realm a few years ago) this was undeniably in the zone amongst a table of ‘13 Bryant DB4, ‘07 Insignia, ‘12 Kapscandy Estate Reserve, and others.
Pop and pour. Extremely aromatic with dark fruits (more blue and black side of the spectrum) and dark florals (violets)…very Pritchard Hill. The texture of this wine is a modern marvel…how a 2013 100% Cabernet from PH can be this sexy/opulent but still so bright is beyond me. The rich and dark fruit is surrounded by graphite, espresso, dark cocoa, and sweet (not tart) cassis that carry the weightless yet flavor packed profile to a finish that lingers. Plenty of tannin and acid to keep this balanced for years, but this is absolutely the zenith of where it will be for balance of flavors. Don’t miss this window.
I haven’t been this star struck on a mid-aged Napa cab in a while, but this has it all. After opening the 2015 Realm Dr Crane earlier this year, this was more impressive (and DrCrane is my favorite vineyard). Wish Realm was still in my “realm” of purchasing!
Rich, elegant, juicy fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, raspberries, hues of purple & blue fruits, strawberries. Used leather, fresh tobacco, finely, crushed rocks, palate gripping volcanic minerals, some dry herbs, moist clay, soft, understated baking spices, amazing, perfect florals that are a mix of; dark, red, blue, violets & lavender. Perfect acidity, it is well knitted/balanced with excellent length and a beautiful, elegant finish that lasts 90-120 seconds.
Photos; Pritchard Hill pano from the estate, Realm & Nine Sun branding above their tank room, tasting table and concrete eggs.
Rich, elegant, juicy fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, raspberries, hues of purple & blue fruits, strawberries. Used leather, fresh tobacco, finely, crushed rocks, palate gripping volcanic minerals, some dry herbs, moist clay, soft, understated baking spices, amazing, perfect florals that are a mix of; dark, red, blue, violets & lavender. Perfect acidity, it is well knitted/balanced with excellent length and a beautiful, elegant finish that lasts 90-120 seconds.
Photos; Pritchard Hill pano from the estate, Realm & Nine Sun branding above their tank room, tasting table and concrete eggs.
Given the news from Realm and Nine Suns, this seems appropriate for dinner tonight.
Given the news from Realm and Nine Suns, this seems appropriate for dinner tonight.
Jun 14th, 2022Well hello Delectable! It’s been awhile. Long uninteresting story about that. But I’m returning with some goodies. This 2015 was marvelous and it strikes me as ready to drink now, though Realm keeps surprising with longevity.
Well hello Delectable! It’s been awhile. Long uninteresting story about that. But I’m returning with some goodies. This 2015 was marvelous and it strikes me as ready to drink now, though Realm keeps surprising with longevity.
Apr 16th, 2022
One of my favorite. What a wine from Pritchard Hill. Very impressed by its structure, acidity and texture. Big wine.
One of my favorite. What a wine from Pritchard Hill. Very impressed by its structure, acidity and texture. Big wine.
Oct 12th, 2021
Dark purple and opaque. Big nose. Big wine. Notes of black fruit and blueberries, gravel stone, some graphite and tobacco leaf. Rich in the mouth but not overly so. Great structure and balance. Silky. Long lasting finish.
Dark purple and opaque. Big nose. Big wine. Notes of black fruit and blueberries, gravel stone, some graphite and tobacco leaf. Rich in the mouth but not overly so. Great structure and balance. Silky. Long lasting finish.
Apr 25th, 2021Opened before dinner and improved the next two hours
Opened before dinner and improved the next two hours
Jun 27th, 2020The consistency of Benoit wines always impresses
The consistency of Benoit wines always impresses
Dec 26th, 2019
Less full on than 14. Polished. Redder profile. Nutmeg on finish. Vanilla.
Less full on than 14. Polished. Redder profile. Nutmeg on finish. Vanilla.
Oct 24th, 2019