Region: Napa Valley, California
Vintage: 2022
Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
History: Farella Vineyard is Realm’s Estate vineyard in the Coombsville AVA. A fantastically complex site in the foothills of the Vaca Mountain range, the vineyard lies in one of the cooler regions of the Napa Valley. The site features layers of volcanic tufa, red decomposed rock and ashy deposits from ancient landslides, vast geologic episodes that literally turned this vineyard on its head. The 25 acres of vines are divided into numerous blocks with elevations ranging between 300 and 500 feet. Varying slopes create distinct microclimates and soil compositions, and the vineyard’s diversity is suitable for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Realm has produced a Single Vineyard Cabernet from Farella since 2003. In 2018, we had the good fortune to partner with the Farella family on a plan to become long-term stewards of the estate. The core of Realm’s Farella Cabernet comes from a high point in the vineyard, a block referred to as “rockpile” because of the preponderance of stone and gravel in the soil. This block is bathed in afternoon sunlight during the growing season and the wine – concentrated and beautifully-structured – consistently shows a mix of red and black fruits with spice and mineral overtones. Farella has been historically 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, comprising Clones 4 and 8, but we began working with Merlot in the 2019 vintage.
Tasting Notes:
This wine offers a harmonious combination of fruit and earth, layered with savory notes, a well-defined acid structure, firmer tannins, and a subtle flirtation with minerality.
98pts, James Suckling
