2021 Realm Cellars, Houyi Vineyard, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

LP98 "The 2021 Houyi Vineyard, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is deep garnet-purple in color. It comes barreling out with powerful notes of blackcurrant jelly, stewed plums, and fruitcake followed by hints of charcoal, wild sage, mossy tree bark, and black olives. The full-bodied palate delivers a rock-solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to support the densely packed black fruits, finishing long and earthy. Just under 1,000 cases were made." LPB for TWI Feb 2024

DR98 "Alluring bay laurel and bay scrub aromas complement the supple dark black fruit and toasty oak spices with hints of crème de cassis and violets. Full-bodied with building tannins that are precise and chiselled, balanced by a chalky mineral mid-palate. The lengthy finish reveals notes of Mexican mocha, resolving with a welcome spicy nuance. From Houyi Vineyard, a 22-acre estate parcel planted atop Napa Valley’s Pritchard Hill, this property was acquired by Realm from the Chang family in 2022." JC for DR Feb 2023

AG97 "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard is silky, delicate and very pretty. In that sense, it is a classic wine for this year. Crushed red berry fruit, cedar, mint, tobacco and a kiss of French oak all grace this unusually supple, racy Cabernet Sauvignon. Beautifully persistent, the 2021 is all understatement and class. This is an especially mid-weight style for Pritchard Hill. Perhaps because of that, the new oak is a touch prominent. The 2021 is a blend of five blocks off this site, all Cabernet Sauvignon. I expect this wine will become more complex as Realm now has access to the entire property." AG for VM Dec 2023