2005 Realm Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is soft, fruity and ready to drink. I wouldn't push my luck on aging, as the fruit is starting to dry out and there is no upside from further cellaring. For now, though, there is good depth to the sweet red cherry and red plum fruit. Kirsch, cedar and sweet spice linger. This is my first time tasting the 2005. Overall, it is a very fine wine from the early days at Realm.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(100% cabernet sauvignon; 15.7% alcohol) Vibrant ruby-red color. Classic cabernet aromas of medicinal cassis and black cherry. Then lush and creamy but with a serious tannic spine giving shape to the raspberry, black cherry and spice flavors. A real essence of cabernet, balanced at a high level of richness.
From a renowned vineyard site, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon boasts a deep ruby/purple color in addition to a fragrant bouquet of sweet blackberries, cherries, roasted herbs, espresso, cedar, and chocolate. Full in the mouth, with impressive stuffing, a multi-dimensional mouthfeel, an inkiness to the fruit, fabulously sweet tannin, and a 50-second finish, this stunning Cabernet should drink nicely for two decades or more. Previously recommended: 2004 The Bard (94), 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon (94), 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard (91), 2004 The Tempest (91). Tel. (707) 967-0226; Fax (707) 967-0227
Good medium ruby. Expressive nose offers plum, currant and spices. Distinctly stony flavors of blackberry, cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate, and fresh herbs. Rich, velvety and supple, with a seamlessness of texture and noble tannins. Quite full in the mouth but with no impression of excess weight. Wonderfully long on the aftertaste. Hirby notes that in 2005 it was 144 days from the middle of the flowering here to the harvest on October 23. The fruit was picked at 1.5o Brix lower than the '04, but the wine is still a good 15%! Except for the Dr. Crane, Hirby's 2005 cabernets spent a good 40 days on their skins. Very classy and vibrant cabernet, with great potential.
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.