At a glance

Producer

Realm Cellars

Region

Red Mountain AVA, Washington State, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$50-$70

Tasting profile

Dark blackberry, cassis, graphite, subtle toasted oak, tobacco leaf, and earth nuances

Evolution: With time, flavors will harmonize, tannins soften, and secondary notes like cedar and leather will emerge

At peak: Rich dark fruit balanced with mature earthiness and silky tannin texture

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to high acidity providing freshness and aging backbone

Tannins

Firm and grippy initially, building up to velvety with age

Alcohol

14.5% ABV

Aging potential

10-15 years minimum, possibly up to 18 years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2054

Optimal window

2022 to 2057

Current status

Approaching early maturity, still developing

Current condition

Wine is evolving with concentrated tannins and structure starting to soften

The 2017 vintage in Red Mountain provided ripe tannins and structure suitable for long aging. Elevated acidity and tannins will integrate over a decade-plus, peaking between 10-15 years after vintage. Ahead lies complex tertiary aromas and softened mouthfeel making the wine most enjoyable in that window.

Food pairing

Grilled ribeye steak, lamb chops with herbs, aged cheddar, roasted mushrooms, hearty stews, dark chocolate desserts

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow tannins to soften and aromatics to open up for better complexity

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Integrated pest management, water-efficient drip irrigation, solar energy use for winery operations, use of recycled packaging materials

Realm Cellars demonstrates commitment to sustainable farming with LIVE certification and eco-conscious business practices. Use of solar energy and water conservation reduces environmental impact. Packaging is lightweight to lower emissions. While carbon footprint is moderate due to export overseas, overall sustainability practices are commendable.