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Classique

2021 Realm Houyi Cabernet

$335.00
$335.00
TWI 98 Points

The Wine Independent, February 2024

The 2021 Houyi Vineyard, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is deep garnet-purple in color. It comes barreling out with powerful notes of blackcurrant jelly, stewed plums, and fruitcake followed by hints of charcoal, wild sage, mossy tree bark, and black olives. The full-bodied palate delivers a rock-solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to support the densely packed black fruits, finishing long and earthy. Just under 1,000 cases were made. 
VN 97

Vinous, December 2023

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard is silky, delicate and very pretty. In that sense, it is a classic wine for this year. Crushed red berry fruit, cedar, mint, tobacco and a kiss of French oak all grace this unusually supple, racy Cabernet Sauvignon. Beautifully persistent, the 2021 is all understatement and class. This is an especially mid-weight style for Pritchard Hill. Perhaps because of that, the new oak is a touch prominent. The 2021 is a blend of five blocks off this site, all Cabernet Sauvignon. I expect this wine will become more complex as Realm now has access to the entire property. 

97

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard comes from a great vineyard (which is now owned by Realm) on Pritchard Hill. Lots of gravelly earth and mineral as well as blue fruit, chocolate, leather, and violet notes emerge on the nose, and it's full-bodied on the palate, with beautiful tannins and flawless balance. It's incredibly complex and brings plenty of mountain structure and concentration on the palate while holding onto a beautiful sense of finesse and elegance.