2021 The Tempest

A full yet tensioned red with blackcurrants and black berries with a gorgeous center palate that is framed beautifully with lovely tannin tension that is integrated into the wine. Weightless richness. 75% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon, 5% malbec. Delicious already but can age beautifully. (11/2023)

The Merlot-dominated 2021 The Tempest is a ripe, powerful wine with gorgeous blackcurrants, ripe cherries, chocolate, and flowery incense aromas and flavors that just about jump out of the glass. It's rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, and while they've changed the fruit sources here (more focused on the southern part of the appellation), this is still a rich, powerful wine. (12/2023)

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2021 The Tempest comes bounding out with exuberant notes of wild blueberries, juicy plums, and boysenberry preserves, leading to a core of warm cassis, spice cake, aniseed, and menthol. The full-bodied palate is chock-full of black and blue fruit layers, framed by firm, grainy tannins, and bold freshness, finishing with lingering mineral sparks and a refreshing lift. It is delicious right now, though has the structure and muscle to age a good 20+ years in cellar. With this 2021 vintage fresher, more vibrant style change, Realm is presenting a bright, modern new label for The Tempest, created by the UK artist Richard Twose. The blend this year is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Malbec. (09/2023)