Realm Cellars, The Tempest

Realm Cellars, The TempestA Merlot dominant blend, Realm's 2021 The Tempest is 67% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec, sourced predominantly from Farella in Coombsville. Lovely aromas of cherries are joined by hints of mocha, cedar and vanilla on the nose, while the full bodied palate is juicy and red fruited, supple, with some earthy undercurrents and the barest hint of warmth on the finish.

ripe style but not overworked

Pol Roger's 2012 Brut Blanc de Blancs is terrific

with racy acids and a sapid finish

and supple

displaying fine delineation to the sappy

with notes of varnish and peach

(93-96)/2035+

penetrating finish that features harmonious tannins and a touch of bitter chocolate

persistent

cedar and autumn leaves are some of the signatures in Brovia's 2011 Barolo

There is good volume and concentration to the medium weight flavors that exude a lovely minerality onto the cool

This is probably approachable in regular bottle but it’s clear that a few more years of cellaring will be necessary in magnum