2021 The Absurd

A big and juicy wine with lots of fruit and integrated tannins that also has a freshness at the same time. Full-bodied with lots going on at the end. Flamboyant and slightly old school, but it’s cool. A selection of barrels that the owners like. Try after 2028. (12/2023)

The flagship 2021 The Absurd from this team (the blend is never specified) is another absolute monument of a wine from Realm. Incredible blue fruits, redcurrants, liquid violets, dark chocolate, and scorched earth all emerge on the nose, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, flawlessly balanced mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and the purity, focus, and elegance paired with incredible levels of concentration that define the greatest wines of the 2021 vintage. Do your best to hide bottles for 4-5 years if you can, and it should hit prime time in 2030 or so and keep for over two decades. (12/2023)

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2021 The Absurd needs a fair bit of swirling to unlock notes of blueberry compote, chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries, and blackcurrant cordial giving way to scents of rose oil, cinnamon stick, and sandalwood plus a touch of garrigue. Full-bodied and jam packed with black fruit and exotic spice layers, the palate has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and layered.  (02/2024)