2005 Realm Absurd The Magician
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Tasting notes
The 2005 The Absurd (41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot, and 24% Merlot) is the most intense, extracted wine of the group. However, it needs time in the bottle, no doubt because of the elevated percentage of Petit Verdot. An inky/purple color is followed by incense, camphor, melted licorice, smoke, and blueberry as well as blackberry fruit characteristics. Dense, full-bodied, powerful, and long, this wine appears set for an enjoyable, long life. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age and consume it over the following 15+. (Price not yet determined) Production for these cuvees ranges from a low of 160 cases to a high of 400 cases. Tel. (707) 967-0226; Fax (707) 967-0227
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(a blend of 41% cabernet sauvignon, 35% petit verdot and 24% merlot) Saturated ruby-red. At once very ripe and peppery on the nose, offering rich mocha and nutty oak notes. Superripe, sweet and high-toned, with a distinctly exotic quality to the blackberry liqueur and floral flavors. All of these wines have volatile acidity in the comparatively high 0.8 grams per liter range, but this one is the most flamboyant of the bunch. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins. Fans of the style may well score this even higher.
(40% each cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot, with 20% merlot) Full medium ruby. Cassis, minerals and flowers on the nose. Thick and suave on entry, then intense and vibrant in the middle palate, with nicely delineated flavors of black fruits, violet and bitter chocolate complicated by spice and pepper. This, too, is carrying a boatload of tannins, but the slow-building back end suggests that there's more than enough supporting material here. Ultimately the longest of this impressive set of young '05s.
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.