Realm Cellars The Tempest 2023

The Tempest was one of the first wines, and the first Proprietary Blend, we produced. At the time, it seemed almost uncanny that we were able to access three grape varietals at the same time from the same vineyard; it was blind luck or perhaps the proverbial "perfect storm." The resulting wine reflected a fierce determination to brave the storm as well as a new desire to realize the possibilities of Merlot. The Tempest is still made with outstanding grapes, from vineyards such as Blair in Calistoga and cooler sites like Farella and Orchard. Predominantly Merlot with lesser amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon depending on vintage, The Tempest is a roiling cauldron of fresh red and blue fruit and silky tannins - a wine that shows what Merlot can be in the right hands, from the right vineyards. A subtle, rich and creamy blend of grape varieties dominated by 61% merlot. Aromas of rose petal, dark chocolate, cherry mint and flavors of dark plums and sweet raspberries. Soft and supple yet well-balanced and fresh in style. Roughly the same blend and sourcing as the 2022, Realm's 2023 The Tempest displays a lovely herbal-floral element not seen in prior releases. Combined with the intense black cherries, the result is something special. In the mouth, this medium- to full-bodied wine is smooth and silky. Long, with hints of mocha on the finish and framed by fine-grained tannins, this is elegant, lovely stuff. Based on 61% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Sirah and aged 11 months in 72% new French oak, the 2023 The Tempest was bottled in January 2025. It offers beautifully textured and upfront black cherries, chocolaty herbs, tobacco, and gravelly earth. Medium to full-bodied, it has integrated acidity, sweet tannins, and a great finish.