2013 The Falstaff Proprietary Red
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Falstaff is vivid and layered in the glass, with terrific energy and verve. Graphite, crushed rocks, mint, spice and lavender run through a core of inky red/purplish berry fruit. This is such a pretty and expressive 2013. All of the vibrancy of this great Napa Valley vintage comes through in a Falstaff to drink now and over the next handful of years.
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Robert Parker
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The 2013 Falstaff, which is a blend of 42% Cabernet Franc, 42% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, is pushing perfection (but that will come with three other offerings made by Realm). This wine emanates from two great vineyards that don't get as much recognition as they deserve, Fortuna and Weitz, with the Blair Vineyard offering up some grapes as well. The wine has a dense purple color to the rim, flowery opulence, beautiful blueberry and blackberry fruit, some forest floor, and even some hints of black raspberries, mocha, tobacco leaf and lavender. An incredibly velvety, in-your-face, stunningly proportioned wine, this should drink well for a decade or more, if you can resist it that long.
Sweet black cherries, mocha, spices, new leather and mint meld together in the 2013 Falstaff, another soft, resonant wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Expressive aromatics from the high percentage of Oakville Cabernet Franc gives the Falstaff much of its signature perfume. The 2013 is sweet, unctuous and expressive, with a final burst of acidity that brightens up the finish.
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.