Redhead's Reviews 9.24.2025

• Posted on 24 September 2025
• By Ian Aker
• Posted in Napa, Realm Cellars, winereviews
• 0

Readhead's Review of Realm Cellars 2021 The Bard and 2021 Moonracer

Excited to taste and review these two dynamic wines from Realm Cellars in Napa, California!  Realm Cellars procures its grapes from legendary vineyards throughout Napa Valley, and their wines don't disappoint. Winemaker Benoit Touquette has made numerous 100 point wines.

The Bard 2021 red blend journey starts with a Shakespearian excerpt on the label. The nose of The Bard 2021 vintage starts with faint black currant, blueberry and cranberry notes.  On the palate it is deliciously complex, dense & full bodied, with red fruit dancing across your mouth. Silky smooth tannins coat your tongue from front to back. Very red fruit forward, almost reminiscent of European desserts, it has a decently long finish that leaves you longing for more, without your mouth being parched. Definitely Cabernet Sauvignon based, with some softer grapes mixed in to help smooth out the blend. A solid 9.5 out of 10, that will only improve with age. 14.6% ABV

Moonracer 2021 begins with an artistic yet simple label, different from any bottle I've seen before.  On the nose it has more minerality, floral and blueberry scents. On the palate it is slightly heavier than The Bard, with much more firm & structured tannins. Definitely more Cabernet Sauvignon than The Bard. Blueberry, blackberry and intense minerality with an extremely long, semi-dry finish, this is a powerful wine that will age well for decades. Not quite as smooth (not as easy to drink) as The Bard, so it's a 9 out of 10, but I bet in 5 to 10 years it'll be closer to a 10 out of 10. 14.6% ABV