2016 Realm "Moonracer" Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon

“A fresh, rosemary and sage character to the dark fruit. Supreme nose. Full-bodied, very tight and compact with a long and intentional finish that grabs your attention. Very specific to the place.” (10/2018)

“This is the producer's signature estate wine from Stags Leap District fruit, blending Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. From volcanic soils, it shows an earthy sensibility that's tough to shake, a lingering thread of black cherry and berry that's met halfway by sweet tobacco, crème brûlée richness and a soft undercurrent of tamed tannins. (VB)” (08/2019)

“There's no doubt that Realm Cellars is now well established within the 'cult' category, delivering a memorable experience with every bottle. Winemaker Benoitte Touquette and team have hit it out of the park with this all-estate fruit wine from the celebrated Stag's Leap District AVA. The varied exposures throughout the vineyard and a mild growing season here combine with Benoitte's gentle approach to winemaking to produce a masterpiece. Crushed violets, graphite and a feminine layer of wild raspberry are the gateway to a plush and elegant structure with generous tannins. (ED)” (01/2019)

“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer Realm Estate takes things to another level in this retrospective. Inky and explosive to the core, the 2016 offers a compelling mélange of blackberry jam, licorice, leather, cedar, bittersweet chocolate and new French oak. Power, nuance and structure all come together in a large-scaled, impeccably balanced Cabernet that dazzles from start to finish. In a word: superb. (AG)” (03/2022)

“The third vintage from this estate vineyard in Stag’s Leap, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot (which is close to the breakdown of the vineyard). It offers a beautiful bouquet of crème de cassis, spring flowers, graphite, and crushed rocks. While it doesn’t have the density of the To Kolan and Dr. Crane releases, it is seamless, full-bodied, incredibly complex, and multi-dimensional.” (01/2019)

“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon The Estate-Moonracer comes exclusively from Realm’s Stags Leap estate and was completely farmed by them. A traditional Bordeaux blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, it's very deep purple-black colored and features earthy/savory notes of underbrush, smoked meats, tapenade and Marmite toast with a core of warm plums, Black Forest cake and blueberry preserves plus a touch of garrigue. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and very finely grained with wonderful freshness and depth, finishing long and mineral laced. (LPB) 96+” (10/2018)