2012 The Tempest Proprietary Red

The 2012 The Tempest, Realm's Merlot/Cabernet Franc-based wine, races across the palate with black cherries, blueberry jam, plums, lavender, mocha, spices, new leather and licorice. The flavors are bold, brooding and intense throughout, but the oak is also a bit overpowering, particularly on the finish, where there is a slight element of astringency.

The 2012 Proprietary Red Blend The Tempest (55% Merlot from the Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard, 22% Cabernet Franc from the Kenefick Vineyard, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon from Farella Vineyard and 5% Petit Verdot from the Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard) possesses a complex bouquet of licorice, barbecue smoke, incense, blueberries and black cherries infused with mocha and a whiff of freshly brewed coffee. With a beautiful texture, superb intensity, and an opulent, full-bodied style, it is a dramatic and ostentatious 2012 to drink over the next decade or more.

Dark cherry, plums, violets, smoke and licorice notes jump from the glass in the 2012 Tempest, an intense, layered wine bursting with personality and class. In 2012 Tempest is a bit darker, more voluptuous and also more aromatically expressive than is often the case, largely becasue of the addition of 22% Cabernet Franc in the blend. All the elements fall into place in a gracious, superb red. What a beautiful and delicious wine this is. The 2012 is 55% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot.