The 2021 Nine Suns is composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it storms out of the glass with powerful notes of baked plums, boysenberry preserves, and creme de cassis followed by suggestions of tar, wet slate, unsmoked cigars, and tapenade. The full-bodied palate is packed with concentrated black fruit and earthy flavors, supported by firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long with a peppery lift. This Nine Suns label, named after the former winery, is a one-time wine made only in 2021, following the Realm purchase of the Nine Suns Winery and the surrounding Houyi Vineyard in 2022. The former winemaking consultant, Philippe Melka, made the wine and the Realm team blended and bottled it. “Our first instinct was to blend it in with our Houyi Vineyard wine,” said owner Scott Becker. “But this constructed so differently. We wanted to honor what Philippe did. So, this is a one-off label.” Only 500 cases were made, and the fruit is all off the Houyi vineyard. (LPB)

The 2021 Nine Suns is a one-off wine blended from the Nine Suns wines that were in barrel when Realm acquired the Houyi property. Bright mountain acids drive through a core of red/purplish fruit, mocha, dried herbs and blood orange. Medium in body and particularly vibrant, the 2021 is nicely done. This is a softer wine for this site. (AG)