2019 Realm Cellars, The Bard, Blair Edition, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

JD99 "A selection from the Bard release, which comes from a 30-acre site on the north side of Larkmead Lane, outside of Calistoga, the 2019 The Bard Blair Edition is based on 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. It shows the sexier, more opulent side to the vintage and is straight-up loaded with red and black fruits, candied violets, spice, and floral nuances. It reminds me a little of the 2012 vintage and boasts a full-bodied, round, just sexy style, especially when compared to the more elegant, focused straight Bard cuvée. Both wines are brilliant, and which you prefer will be due more to stylistic preference than any real quality differences in the wines." JD Sep 2021

Lisa Perrotti-Brown for RobertParker.com writes, "“2019 was a great vintage, following 2018,” said Realm’s winemaker, Benoit Touquette. “A bit like 2012 and 2013. 2019 is more fleshy and expressive at this stage than 2018. It has the flesh and the body of 2013, with nice ripe phenolics. I love the acidity and texture, matched by the aromatics. Also, 2019 was a consistent crop—straightforward to work with. We racked a lot less this year, to keep that energy and freshness,” he explained 2019 is clearly a vintage that plays to Realm’s vineyard and visionary strengths. This is a strong lineup of new releases with a lineup of wines that are sure to excite loyal fans and will likely turn a few new heads along the way." Published: Sep 08, 2021