Realm is one of our favorite wineries and The Bard may be our favorite (so hard to choose) especially considering price. This is an expensive wine, but for the quality, this is a great wine. It is a Cabernet based blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 2% Petite Sirah . Purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, black cherries, tobacco, chocolate, coffee and baking spices. Full bodied. Firm tannins. Great energy and balance. On the palate, this is young and tight but also showing complexity and depth. Flavors of cassis and black cherries with nutmeg and slight cloves. Some tobacco/earthy notes as well. Long finish. Delicious. This is great on its own and will work with big dishes from Roasted Root Vegetables to Standing Rib Roasts. It is best to wait another five to ten years and drink for fifteen after that.
