A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot from 21 different lots from 11 different vineyards, the 2016 The Bard is very deep purple-black in color and sashays out of the glass with strikingly beautiful violets, warm cassis, star anise and chocolate mint notes with hints of wood smoke, tobacco and kirsch, with blackberry compote at the core. Full, muscular and built like a brick house with layer upon layer of black, blue and red fruits, it finishes very long and savory.

The 2016 iteration of this Cabernet-based 'proprietary blend' is focussed and energetic. It has a higher-toned profile than the other two vintages tasted, carrying notes of black cherries, tar, sap and orange pulp throughout. Due to its youth it has a grainier tannin structure, which adds a nice layer of grit to the otherwise seamless finish. This is the first vintage made at Realm’s new winery, and around 2,500 cases were produced.