2019 Realm Cellars, Falstaff, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

RP97 The 2019 The Falstaff is composed of 50% Cabernet Franc (from Upper Range vineyard), 38% Cabernet Sauvignon (from Houyi vineyard) and 12% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with vibrant cassis, redcurrant jelly and black raspberries, plus suggestions of pencil shavings, red roses and dusty soil with a waft of clove oil. Full-bodied, the palate delivers a very firm, yet fantastically ripe backbone of grainy tannins and an exhilarating breath of freshness to support the generously fruited mid-palate, carrying the red and black fruit layers to a long, mineral-sparked finish.

AG97 The Cabernet Franc-based 2019 Falstaff is captivating right upon opening. A burst of Franc aromatics leads in a core of red/purplish berry fruit, while bright saline notes give the wine its sense of proportion. All the elements are so impeccably balanced. Mocha, rose petal, spice and crushed rocks build into the sculpted finish. What a wine! The blend is Cabernet Franc from Upper Range, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Houyi and Merlot from Ecotone.

JD97 The 2019 Falstaff is 50% Cabernet Franc, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Merlot, with the Franc from Upper Range and the Cabernet from Houyi. Another gorgeous wine, it has a touch more flesh and opulence than the 2018, with lots of blue fruits (and some red) as well as spring flowers, spicy wood, lead pencil, and ample chalky minerality. Beautiful on the palate as well, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a round, supple texture, building yet finely polished tannins, and a great finish.