Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Realm Cellars – The Bard – Red Blend – 2022
Napa Valley AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Realm Cellars’ flagship proprietary red, The Bard represents the most expansive and dynamic expression of Napa Valley terroir. The 2022 vintage is Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant (approximately 70%), supported by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, with exact proportions varying by year. Sourced from a broad range of elite vineyards spanning Coombsville to Calistoga and both valley floor and hillside sites, this wine is designed to showcase Napa Valley in its full breadth and power.

Aromas & Flavors
Dense and expressive aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry compote, and dark plum lead the profile, followed by graphite, cocoa, crushed stone, and subtle baking spice. As it opens, notes of espresso, cedar, and savory herbs emerge, adding layers of depth and complexity.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, weighty, and concentrated, with a rich core of dark fruit framed by structured yet polished tannins. Despite its power, the wine maintains balance and freshness, carrying seamlessly into a long, impactful finish.

Food Pairings
Prime rib, grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, venison, or aged cheeses such as aged Cheddar, Comté, or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Verdict
A bold yet refined Napa Valley red that captures Realm’s philosophy of sourcing greatness across sites to build a wine of exceptional depth, richness, and presence. The Bard remains a benchmark proprietary blend that delivers both immediate pleasure and cellar-worthy structure.

Did You Know?
The Bard draws fruit from some of Napa Valley’s most revered vineyards, including Beckstoffer To Kalon, Beckstoffer Bourn, Blair, Houyi, and Larkmead, contributing to its layered complexity and distinctive Napa identity.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is a wine every serious wine lover should have in their cellar. Powerful, delicious, and unapologetically Napa, The Bard delivers depth, impact, and pure enjoyment in every glass. — 5 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2019 vintage. Not quite as bracingly dry as the last few vintages but still good depth of field-especially for the price. 12.10.25. — 11 days ago

Joe Flo

9.7

This Schrader RBS has opened up wonderfully drinking just great 🍷 — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Realm Cellars – Farella Vineyard – Red– 2021
Coombsville AVA – Napa Valley – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A site-driven, estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Realm Cellars’ Farella Vineyard in the cool-climate Coombsville AVA. The 2021 vintage is composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from a high-elevation block within the vineyard known as the “rockpile,” named for its dense concentration of stone and gravel soils. This unique position in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains delivers natural freshness, complexity, and refined structure.

Aromas & Flavors
Layered aromas of red and black cherry, cassis, and ripe plum unfold alongside graphite, crushed stone, subtle floral tones, and hints of cedar. As the wine opens, nuanced notes of spice, earth, and mineral depth continue to build, revealing impressive complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with a remarkably polished and silky texture. The tannins are refined and seamless, offering structure without weight. Fresh acidity from the cool Coombsville site carries the wine effortlessly through a long, graceful finish.

Food Pairings
Herb-crusted lamb, grilled filet mignon, roasted duck breast, mushroom-forward dishes, or aged hard cheeses.

Verdict
A beautifully composed Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that emphasizes elegance over brute force. Complex, multi-layered, and progressively expressive, this is a refined interpretation of mountain-influenced Coombsville Cabernet.

Did You Know?
Coombsville is one of Napa Valley’s coolest AVAs, influenced by morning fog and volcanic soils from the Vaca Mountain range, often producing Cabernets with heightened aromatic complexity and natural acidity.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
I was genuinely surprised by how smooth and delicate this wine is for a site of such intensity. Multi-layered, graceful, and beautifully balanced, it’s an exceptional Cabernet that showcases finesse as much as depth. — 5 days ago

Ted

9.2

Velvety smooth crushed berries. — 3 days ago

with Jeni

Paul J

9.4

1hr+ decant. Dark purple color. Medicinal nose with some dirt, baking spices, and eucalyptus. Same on the palate with nice texture and solid tannins. Medium depth and finish. Vibrant wine. — a month ago

with Brooke

Tom Garland

9.5

1 hour decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A striking dark garnet with some bricking. On the nose: beautiful areomatics jump from the glass with black/red fruit, currants, smoked meat, forest floor, herbaceous, worn leather. Taste: silky, balanced layers of flavor wine with dark cherry/blackberry, chocolate, spice, earth and a iron/graphite long finish. YUM!! Could drink all night, but going down too quickly. — 7 days ago

Tom Garland

9.2

Lewis Cellars "Cellar Selection" tasting with canapes. Just opened after 2 year revamp of the Robert Sinsky offices into a beautiful tasting room with views of the valley at Yountville crossing/Silverado trail. Luv Napa in December only one there all afternoon.

2021 Barcaglia Chardonnay
2021 Napa Valley reserve Chardonnay
2016 Reserve Napa Valley cab
2017 Reserve Napa Valley cab
2021Cuvee L Napa valley — 16 days ago

with Brenda

Tom Garland

9.3

Decant and pour. On the nose: blackberry, forest floor, currants, herbaceous, smoked meat. Taste: velvety, balanced wine with brambly blackberry, earth, currants, spice, leather, graphite, and a medium plus dry finish. YUM! — 23 days ago

with Brenda

Rob Brobst III

9.9

One of the greats!!! @Paul T HB @Shay A @John Van Trijp — a month ago