Friday, November 19, 2010

TN: 2006 Realm Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard (USA, California, Napa Valley)

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” This Realm is dark as night. The nose is a pure precise focus of black and red fruits and of cassis driven earth with blackest cherry cola. Slightly holding back itself, but I see into it all too well. The palate is one of purity and class. Dark fruits once again with mutliple layer of Napa Cabernet goodness: there is the Creme de cassis that I really love; some lead pencil; a hint of pomegranate; and enough black cherry one could ever want. This has so much balance to bring smileth to thou face. No need to ask "When shall we three meet again, In thunder, lightning, or in rain?" for the time is now. Plush with class, this has a medium weighted mouthfeel; it's tannins are still working, and acidity of the lilty type. Long finish that goes on and on. Make no tragedy hereth, as one not be deserved. This Realm is the schnizzle, or as Bill said: "This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this Napa."

Thou did not liketh the 06s when first released nearly as mucheth as I do-eth now. (93 pts.)

Stolen from Winebid for $50 per!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

2004 Clark-Claudon Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown (USA, California, Napa Valley)

Pure Cabernet. very classic balanced & elegant. Its dark. Its nose is black fruits at midnight. There is some black-cherry lingering. The palate is pure with the blackest cassis, blackest cherry and a hint of pomegranate. There is some macerated black plum pudding in here too. It's all focus and never show. There is some mushroom notes, some lead pencil shavings and some lite soy. The balance is incredible. Tannins are in check and super complicated. The acidity it high-wire act-like. Let me tell you of the finish: It's long and focused with those aforementioned black fruits. Elegance and structure with purity and precision. What else does a Cabernet lover ask for? Nothing.
Here would be a good test: take any highly rated 2007 and put it alongside this. No contest, because this is the real deal. 100% Cabernet from a great vintage with just a few years on it. Nice. Very nice. Think Karl Lawrence Reserve. (93 pts.)