The 2021 Realm Moonracer Cabernet Sauvignon is a single vineyard wine from the Stag's Leap District in Napa, California, produced by Realm. This vintage is composed entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon, a fact highlighted by The Wine Independent, which notes that this is due to ongoing vineyard replanting efforts. The 2021 vintage has garnered impressive reviews from multiple critics, reflecting its high quality and potential for aging.
The Wine Independent awarded the 2021 Moonracer a score of 96+, describing it as "deep garnet-purple colored" with "gregarious notes of blackberry pie, black cherries, and black currant pastilles." The review goes on to mention additional aromas of "lavender, chocolate mint, and cinnamon stick." On the palate, it is characterized as "full-bodied" and "taut with ripe, crunchy black fruits" supported by "grainy tannins and compelling tension," finishing long with "mineral and baking spice sparks." The publication also notes that only 720 cases were produced.
Jeb Dunnuck also praised the wine, giving it a score of 95. He describes it as "one of the more structured, firmer wines in the lineup," predicting it will gain elegance with 4-6 years of bottle age. His tasting notes include "blueberries, black cherries, leather, dried herbs, and lead pencil," describing the wine as "full-bodied, rich, concentrated" with "building tannins and a great finish."
Vinous' Antonio Galloni gave the wine an even higher score of 97, noting its "aromatic and silky" nature. He highlights a "gorgeous bouquet" featuring "crushed flowers, mint, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, red cherry/plum fruit, and rose petals," calling it "elegant" and "wonderfully polished."
James Suckling also rated the 2021 Moonracer at 97, emphasizing its expressiveness with notes of "pine needles, pine cones, blackcurrants, forest floor, and ink pot." He describes it as "full-bodied and chewy with firm and structured tannins," adding that it has a "mineral" and "almost chalky character" with a "dry tension at the end that keeps your palate refreshed." Suckling suggests that the wine will be best enjoyed after 2027.
Overall, the 2021 Realm Moonracer Cabernet Sauvignon is highly regarded for its depth, complexity, and aging potential. Its high scores across various reviewers highlight it as a standout wine in the 2021 vintage.