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Tasting notes

Tasting notes
Score 99/100 · Drink 2027-2045, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, Jun 2025

A barrel selection in the truest sense of the word, chosen from among all the various lots available in the winery, Realm's 2021 The Absurd features aromas of black cherries, loamy earth and dried spices. It's full-bodied, suave and richly textured but also seems somewhat ethereal at the same time. Lush and long, it folds in softly dusty tannins on the licorice-tinged finish, a testament to great materials in the vineyard and cellar, plus a fair bit of blending skill.

Critic scores

Critic scores
100
100/100

Jeb Dunnuck

98
98+/100

Antonio Galloni, Vinous

More reviews and scores

100 points
Jeb Dunnuck
Score 100/100 · Drink 2028-2048, Jeb Dunnuck, Dec 2023

The flagship 2021 The Absurd from this team (the blend is never specified) is another absolute monument of a wine from Realm. Incredible blue fruits, redcurrants, liquid violets, dark chocolate, and scorched earth all emerge on the nose, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, flawlessly balanced mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and the purity, focus, and elegance paired with incredible levels of concentration that define the greatest wines of the 2021 vintage. Do your best to hide bottles for 4-5 years if you can, and it should hit prime time in 2030 or so and keep for over two decades.

98+ points
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Score 98+/100 · Drink 2023-2036, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec 2023

The 2021 The Absurd is dense, plush and resonant, but also super-refined. Dark red cherry/plum fruit, rose petals, cinnamon and dried flowers all open in the glass, with silky, polished tannins that wrap it all together. This is an especially finessed version of Realm's flagship wine.

About the producer

Realm The Bard 2021 lifestyle (1)
Realm Cellars

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.

View Producer

Product details

Colour

Red

Taste

Dry

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