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!
A step change. Mountain wine. Spice, big structure. Excellent.
A step change. Mountain wine. Spice, big structure. Excellent.
Oct 24th, 2019
Old Chang vineyard and inaugural use of this site for Realm.....of course it’s also the source of Jason’s Nine Suns. This was fire!
Old Chang vineyard and inaugural use of this site for Realm.....of course it’s also the source of Jason’s Nine Suns. This was fire!
Jan 25th, 2018
Simply delicious. The cork dog loves it too.
Simply delicious. The cork dog loves it too.
Dec 25th, 2015
Been a big fan of Nine Suns for years. This was first bottle of Realm’s Houyi vineyard I’ve tried from my cellar. I believe ‘13 was Realm’s first year with Houyi fruit. The nose is incredible. With an hour decant, the wine is silky and seductive. The fruit is perfectly matched by the tannins and acidity. Everything working together perfectly. The fruit is bold and black, lovely minerality. Just an incredible mouthfeel. Nice finish. Next time I have this ‘13 I’ll have to have it side by side with a Nine Suns ‘13. This is drinking fantastic right now.
Been a big fan of Nine Suns for years. This was first bottle of Realm’s Houyi vineyard I’ve tried from my cellar. I believe ‘13 was Realm’s first year with Houyi fruit. The nose is incredible. With an hour decant, the wine is silky and seductive. The fruit is perfectly matched by the tannins and acidity. Everything working together perfectly. The fruit is bold and black, lovely minerality. Just an incredible mouthfeel. Nice finish. Next time I have this ‘13 I’ll have to have it side by side with a Nine Suns ‘13. This is drinking fantastic right now.
Jan 20th, 2024
I love Pritchard Hill more than anything but this is a step behind the Dr Crane. Fruit forward. Massive wine.
I love Pritchard Hill more than anything but this is a step behind the Dr Crane. Fruit forward. Massive wine.
Nov 4th, 2018