Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

2014 vintage. 375 ML format. Tasted with @Neil Valenzuela Gorgeous, somewhat candied and dominant melon fruits evident currently. In the youthful, know it all phase now. Has the basis/structure for the long haul. Load up the truck now or in three decades. Thank you @Neil Valenzuela So good. 12.10.25. — 10 days ago

with Neil

Ericsson

9.4

What a treat. Aged Sauternes, outstanding wine. WSET3 London. — a month ago

Ron Siegel

9.2

Black fruits, cedar, earth, leather, graphite & tobacco — 6 days ago

Jason Gelman

9.7

2000 Cheval Blanc. Soaring palate sensation but also very delicate and fine texture. Still very fresh, great drinking window. A real treat. — 23 days ago

David Koenen

9.5

Glue in the smell. Big, complex and delicately sweet. Long, and very rich in botrytis. Beautifully dramatic. Almond flavour, canned peaches. Honey all over. Great. — 8 days ago

Brandon Boesch

9.1

Citrus, tropical, good mineral balance. Overall pretty great with food. Way better as it warms interestingly. — 4 days ago

Rick Phillips

9.7

This vintage just keeps getting better. It was great to review and acknowledge some of my contacts earlier review of this wine even before it was 10 years in the bottle. Has the strength to last another 15 to 20 years in my opinion. But then he did learn at the feet of some of the Masters of Bordeaux! — 9 days ago

with Letha

Robert Torretti

9.3

1990 Chateau Lynch Bages in Nebuchadnezzar. At a Lynch Bages dinner for the Commanderie de Bordeaux NY Chapter. Paired over the course of three courses vs the 1995, 1996 and 2000. The 1998 was also served earlier in the evening. So youthful, given the large format. Still got to experience different stages of evolution of the wine as it was poured throughout the night. Well balanced and beat out the other wines that night, with rhe 1996 showing more pepper and spice but also green bell pepper from the Cab Franc. The 2000 also showed strongly, but could not outshine the 1990. — 6 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Realm Cellars – The Bard – Red Blend – 2022
Napa Valley AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Realm Cellars’ flagship proprietary red, The Bard represents the most expansive and dynamic expression of Napa Valley terroir. The 2022 vintage is Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant (approximately 70%), supported by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, with exact proportions varying by year. Sourced from a broad range of elite vineyards spanning Coombsville to Calistoga and both valley floor and hillside sites, this wine is designed to showcase Napa Valley in its full breadth and power.

Aromas & Flavors
Dense and expressive aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry compote, and dark plum lead the profile, followed by graphite, cocoa, crushed stone, and subtle baking spice. As it opens, notes of espresso, cedar, and savory herbs emerge, adding layers of depth and complexity.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, weighty, and concentrated, with a rich core of dark fruit framed by structured yet polished tannins. Despite its power, the wine maintains balance and freshness, carrying seamlessly into a long, impactful finish.

Food Pairings
Prime rib, grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, venison, or aged cheeses such as aged Cheddar, Comté, or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Verdict
A bold yet refined Napa Valley red that captures Realm’s philosophy of sourcing greatness across sites to build a wine of exceptional depth, richness, and presence. The Bard remains a benchmark proprietary blend that delivers both immediate pleasure and cellar-worthy structure.

Did You Know?
The Bard draws fruit from some of Napa Valley’s most revered vineyards, including Beckstoffer To Kalon, Beckstoffer Bourn, Blair, Houyi, and Larkmead, contributing to its layered complexity and distinctive Napa identity.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is a wine every serious wine lover should have in their cellar. Powerful, delicious, and unapologetically Napa, The Bard delivers depth, impact, and pure enjoyment in every glass. — 4 days ago

Tom Garland

9.5

1 hour decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A striking dark garnet with some bricking. On the nose: beautiful areomatics jump from the glass with black/red fruit, currants, smoked meat, forest floor, herbaceous, worn leather. Taste: silky, balanced layers of flavor wine with dark cherry/blackberry, chocolate, spice, earth and a iron/graphite long finish. YUM!! Could drink all night, but going down too quickly. — 6 days ago