2021 Realm Cellars, Moonracer, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

AG97 "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer is aromatic and silky, with a gorgeous bouquet that makes a strong opening statement. Crushed flowers, mint, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, red cherry/plum fruit and rose petals are some of the notes that grace this elegant, wonderfully polished Cabernet" AG for VM Dec 2023

JS97 "This is very expressive with pine needles, pine cones, blackcurrants, forest floor, and ink pot. Full-bodied and chewy with firm and structured tannins. Mineral with an almost chalky character that comes through clearly. Dry tension at the end that keeps your palate refreshed. Drink after 2027." Nov 2023

LP96+ "The 2021 Moonracer is a single vineyard wine from Realm’s vineyard in Stags Leap District. “The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon this year because the vineyard is being replanted,” said winemaker Benoit Touquette. “The Merlot and Cabernet Franc were pulled, and the new plantings aren't in production yet. By the time we're done, we will have replanted all this vineyard. Then a true footprint of the place will be in this wine.” Deep garnet-purple colored, gregarious notes of blackberry pie, black cherries, and black currant pastilles prance out of the glass, leading to fragrant wafts of lavender, chocolate mint, and cinnamon stick. Full-bodied, the palate is taut with ripe, crunchy black fruits, supported by a solid frame of grainy tannins and compelling tension, finishing long with loads of mineral and baking spice sparks. 720 cases were made." LPB for TWI Sep 2023