| Score: |
97 RP.
"Their blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2014 The Falstaff (200 cases) emerges from multiple vineyards as well as top-notch terroirs, such as Larkmead, Houyi on Pritchard Hill, Weitz and Fortuna. This St.-Emilion-like blend is aged in about 85% new oak and is spectacular. Opaque purple in color with blackberry, creosote, incense and charcoal notes, a touch of spring flowers, blueberry and blackberry, the wine is full-bodied, multidimensional with terrific concentration, purity and palate presence. Realm Cellars purchased the Stags Leap winery of Hartwell Estate Vineyards and is in the process of building new facilities and making that their future home. This is one of the stars of Napa Valley and has been since their debut in 2002. Their general philosophy is to find some of the finest vineyard sources in Napa, and not only fashion creative blends, but of course turn out some remarkable Cabernet Sauvignons. 2014 offers their normal lineup of wines, plus their newest estate wine from the Stags Leap AVA . . . . Remarkably, the 2014s are close in quality to the 2013s! Like most of the 2014s, they are actually more charming and drinkable . . ." Wine Advocate #228, Dec 2016 |