2017 Realm 'Moonracer' Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District

Winemaker Notes: Moonracer. Realm Cellars’ first estate wine from our vineyard on Wappo Hill in the Stags Leap District. It is said this elevated site was important to the Wappo Native Americans as it provided the tribe with a central lookout from which to identify intruders and such. The Wappos, though small in number, were known for their bravery, strength and athleticism. Jack London, who wrote about the curious inter-tribal races that took place during full moons, noted that the Wappos often won. Thus Moonracer, an oblique reference to the earliest inhabitants of the place Realm calls home.

The Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine is composed of the finest lots from the vineyard. Winemaker Benoit Touquette has a lot to choose from, as the site, with its multiple blocks, elevations, facings and diverse soils, has character in spades. Moonracer bears the unmistakable mark of this stimulating vineyard, as well as the Stags Leap District. Strong, powerful, yet elegant, with refined tannins and plenty of depth. What Benoit calls “intellectual.” “It’s a wine that will appeal to both international and American palates. It walks the line, combining characteristics typical of northern and southern Napa Valley. It’s got plenty of fruit but also layered flavors, depth and complexity.”

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


James Suckling - "Loads of blackberry and iodine aromas follow through to a full body and very tight tannins that are pointed and together. Really long and flavorful. Shows focus and beauty. Just a touch of chocolate and hazelnut at the finish. Drink in 2022."


Jeb Dunnuck - "the 2017 Moonracer comes from the estate in Stags Leap and includes small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. With a terrific sense of minerality as well as chocolaty dark fruits, tobacco, and spring flowers, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, outstanding balance, ultra-fine tannins, and a dense, concentrated, ageworthy vibe. Give bottles a solid 4-5 years of bottle age and it’s going to drink brilliantly for 20 years or more."


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon The Estate-Moonracer is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. It comes exclusively from Realm’s Stags Leap estate. Deep garnet-purple colored, it strides confidently out of the glass with a profound nose of blackberry pie, boysenberries, crème de cassis and exotic spices plus lots of earthy undertones and a suggestions of iron ore. The full-bodied palate is jam-packed with black fruit preserves and minerally sparks, supported by firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and savory. There's quite a lot of structure here and a lot of muscular fruit—it should easily cellar for 25 years or more."


Vinous - "The Cabernet Sauvignon Moonracer Realm Estate is another impressive 2017 from Realm. Inky red cherry, plum jam, wild flowers, spice, new oak and tobacco all race out of the glass, with sweet floral notes that add lift and energy with time in the glass."

Shop By Region: Napa Valley, California

Shop By Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon