2017 Moonracer Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer Realm Estate is another impressive wine from Realm in this very challenging vintage. Sweet red cherry, plum preserves, spice, new oak, tobacco, iron and white chocolate give the 2017 its racy personality. Medium in body, with terrific freshness and tons of style, the 2017 Moonracer is an absolute delight today. Crushed flowers, sweet pipe tobacco and mint linger on the energetic finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
James Suckling
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The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon The Estate-Moonracer is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It comes exclusively from Realm’s Stags Leap estate. Deep garnet-purple colored, it strides confidently out of the glass with a profound nose of blackberry pie, boysenberries, crème de cassis and exotic spices plus lots of earthy undertones and a suggestions of iron ore. The full-bodied palate is jam-packed with black fruit preserves and minerally sparks, supported by firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and savory. There's quite a lot of structure here and a lot of muscular fruit—it should easily cellar for 25 years or more.
Loads of blackberry and iodine aromas follow through to a full body and very tight tannins that are pointed and together. Really long and flavorful. Shows focus and beauty. Just a touch of chocolate and hazelnut at the finish. Drink in 2022.
Lastly, the 2017 Moonracer comes from the estate in Stags Leap and includes small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. With a terrific sense of minerality as well as chocolaty dark fruits, tobacco, and spring flowers, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, outstanding balance, ultra-fine tannins, and a dense, concentrated, ageworthy vibe. Give bottles a solid 4-5 years of bottle age and it’s going to drink brilliantly for 20 years or more.
About the producer
Realm Cellars has become one of Napa Valley’s most compelling modern estates, known for site-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. Drawing from some of the valley’s most sought-after vineyards, Realm’s wines consistently earn top critical acclaim while remaining firmly rooted in place.