Realms 2006 Line-up, REDUX and then some......

I attended the Realm open house last night in NYC at an interesting venue, the Audi Forum on Park Avenue and 47th. Seeing old friends and making new is always the bonus to this open house and last night was no different. Wendell, Juan and Mike are just great unassuming guys who happen to make an excellent wine. The 2006 offerings have caught my attention again, and honestly I was slightly under whelmed with the ’05 cabernets and bought only the Tempest. (I am as fickle as a 12 year old school girl. Good luck changing me now). I know these wines go through many changes and phases as having witnessed at least 6 or 7 times myself in the last 18 months. Having the opportunity to taste some library wines last night just confirmed that once again. The 2004 Phoenix and 2002 To-Kalon were amazing.

2006 Realm Beckstoffer Dr Crane Cabernet Sauvignon
The most black & dark fruited is also the most aromatic and pleasing on the nose, right now. Super concentrated cassis filled with some black cherry and kirsch. A very complete and pleasing wine with a very long and elegant finish. The tannins are evident but the balance is so pure and precise, you get the feeling perfection personified from the neck up. 93/100

2006 Realm Beckstoffer To-Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon
This has amazing structure and style. A bit four square right now, I know that time treats these well (read below). Black fruits of currant, black plums, and some cherry notes this is a bit restrained on the nose, right now. A beautiful one not to be ignored. 91/100

2006 Realm Farella Vineyard Cabernet sauvignon
The nose says red fruits. The palate solidifies those findings. Red cherries and red plums, this is beautifully structured and elegant with a nice mid weight mouthfeel. A few years in the bottle and this will make you smile. 90/100

2004 Realm Phoenix from magnum
This is a wonderful complex wine with much happening. Its currant with some pencil shavings, tar, a slight mushroom note with a beautiful mid weight mouthfeel. Wonderfully textured and precise, this has elegance and class. Anyone lucky enough to have this is surely just that, lucky. Anyone not having it should seek it out. Tasted from two magnums, the first had a bit of cork on the nose that blew off within 5 minutes and exposed just a beautiful wine. 93/100

2002 Realm Realm Beckstoffer To-Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon from magnum
On my way to the exit after all my good nights, I heard my name. Looking around I caught Juan behind the bar with a big bottle in his hands, sure I will catch the later bus.
Such a beautiful and complete expression of To Kalon, this had everything. Pure cassis and dark black berries, the aromatics alone was mind boggling. Medium weight and fully resolved tannins, this is in such a perfect place from when I had it last about a year ago. If the above To Kalon turns to this in 4 or 5 years the owner will be blessed with a near perfect bottle of Cabernet. Wow 95/100