Realm Cellars 'Farella Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa Valley, California 2023

Farella Vineyard is Realm's estate site in the Coombsville AVA, a cooler pocket of Napa Valley in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains. First planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1979 by Frank Farella, the site was farmed for decades under the Farella-Park label before Realm began sourcing fruit here in 2003. In 2018, Realm entered a long-term stewardship partnership with the Farella family. WINEMAKER: 2023 vintage was made under Benoit Touquette, who has since moved to a consulting role. Current active team includes Kelly Fields, Winemaker, and Chris Cooney, Chief of Winegrowing. FARMING: Organic, Sustainable VARIETY: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. TERROIR: Coombsville AVA, in the foothills of the Vaca Mountain range — one of the cooler growing areas in Napa Valley. The 25-acre site sits on layers of volcanic tufa, red decomposed rock, and ashy deposits from ancient landslides, with elevations ranging 300–500 feet across numerous blocks of varying slope and microclimate. The core of the wine comes from "Rockpile," a high, stony block that catches full afternoon sun. The 2023 growing season progressed slowly and steadily, allowing tannins to fully ripen and integrate with color through a late-October harvest. AGING: 20 months in 85% new French oak TASTING NOTES: Dark red and black fruit — blackberry, dark cherry, blackcurrant — layered with mocha, espresso, cedar, and graphite, with violet, gravel, and dried herb notes adding lift. The palate is tightly wound and full-bodied, with large-grained, firm tannins and a long, structured finish that suggests real aging potential; this is a wine built for patience rather than immediate drinking. FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled steak, roast beef, lamb, or aged cheeses — a structured wine built for rich, savory dishes. SCORES: Vinous (Antonio Galloni), 97 points.