2010 The Bard

Realm continues their remarkable ascent into the top tier of Napa Valley producers. Juan Mercado and Benoit Touquette, along with consultant Michel Rolland, have done a fabulous job with these wines. Realm has recently moved into a space at Chateau Boswell, which should give them the space and technical resources to keep improving on what is already a remarkable level of quality. The 2010s are terrific, while the 2011s are highly promising. Readers should note that all of the 2011s I tasted are 100% Cabernet Sauvignons at this stage, but the final blends could end up including a small amount of Petit Verdot. I also had a chance to revisit the 2009 Farella, To Kalon and Dr. Crane, all of which are more than living up the my lofty praise from last year. The Realm wines are big, full-bodied and totally luscious, but also remarkably balanced.