2021 Hartwell XX

Amazing aromas of blackcurrant, orange peel and earth. Fresh mushroom. Medium- to full-bodied with great density and seamless tannins. Creamy texture with a savory and fresh finish. Earthy. Original planting of the Bosche clone and planted in 1986. Only 1.5 acres. 150 cases. Drink after 2026. (12/2023)

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hartwell XX is another perfect wine in this lineup. From vines around the estate in Stags Leap, its saturated purple hue is followed by a deep, majestic, massively concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon offering incredible purity and depth in its blackcurrant, Griotte cherry, loamy earth, and dried flower-like aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, loads of glycerin, sweet tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and a blockbuster of a finish, this killer effort should drink well for 25-30 years. (12/2023)

The jewel sitting atop of the Moonracer Vineyard is the 1.5-acre estate owned Hartwell Vineyard. Only 150 cases were made of the 2021 Hartwell XX Cabernet Sauvignon. This the former Hartwell property, purchased by Realm in 2020, constituting the highest blocks above their Stags Leap District vineyard. The vines originate from budwood acquired by Bob Hartwell from Dick Grace of Grace Family Vineyards in the 1980s. “This is the first year of us getting out hands around the farming,” commented owner Scott Becker. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out with flamboyant notions of roses, clove oil, and juicy plums, leading to a core of warm cassis, cedar chest, and fragrant earth, plus a waft of camphor. Full-bodied, the palate bursts with expressive blackberry and baking spices flavors, supported by super-fine, silt-like tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and minerally. (09/2023)