Velvet Whispers at Dusk: Realm Cellars "The Absurd" 2016
I tilt the decanter gently, watching obsidian ribbons of Realm Cellars' "The Absurd" 2016 unfurl gracefully into twilight. Twenty-two months hidden in oak’s serene embrace have transformed this Napa marvel into liquid silk—opaque-purple, edged with the soft violet whispers of dusk. Aromas rise like whispered secrets coaxed from Napa’s midnight fog: crème de cassis and blueberry compote entwine with preserved plum, dark chocolate, and licorice. Each note echoes delicately like night-blooming violets, traced subtly with espresso, graphite, and distant spice. With every swirl, new layers emerge—spiced cedar, hints of leather-bound volumes, and the faintest memory of tobacco smoke drifting through a quiet room.
Tasting the Moonlit Mosaic
Every sip of "The Absurd" tells its story, a narrative woven from the soils of Dr. Crane, To Kalon, and Moonracer vineyards—creating something both mysterious and universal. On the palate, it unfolds with profound black-fruit intensity, opulent yet vibrant, complemented by savory tobacco leaf notes and pencil-shaving minerality. Oak nuances linger like distant murmurs, as ultra-fine tannins ripple toward a finish reminiscent of far-off thunder, hinting at storms yet to come. Let the wine rest on your palate, revealing layers of complexity—subtle espresso hints, the sharpness of graphite, and delicate whispers of exotic spices—each sip inviting you deeper into its midnight intrigue.
Before enjoying, offer "The Absurd" the courtesy of a 2 to 4-hour decant, gently awakening violets and espresso nuances that otherwise remain hidden beneath its velvety surface. Serve it slightly chilled (16 – 18°C), ideally in large-bowled stems designed to capture its expansive bouquet. Crafted through moonlit pump-overs guided by my unseen hand, this wine promises to evolve gracefully through 2045 and beyond, each year enriching its subtle mysteries.
A Feast of Earthly Echoes
Begin your culinary journey with classic comforts—a dry-aged ribeye crowned generously in black-truffle butter. The earthy luxury beautifully aligns with the graphite accents and plush black-fruit layers, the buttery richness softening the tannins into sumptuous harmony. Alternatively, select duck breast glazed elegantly in cherry reduction, its sweetness delicately interacting with "The Absurd's" blueberry notes, each bite creating a refined dialogue between plate and glass, showcasing the exquisite balance between sweetness and savory undertones.
For a more adventurous embrace, consider venison loin brushed gently with blackberry gastrique, each bite echoing the lush dark fruits, intensifying the wine's powerful yet graceful persona. Moroccan lamb tagine, softly simmered with prunes and almonds, brings exotic spices to life, intertwining seamlessly with the wine's subtle complexities—a culinary tapestry transcending borders and uniting the senses.
Whispered Elegance: Vegetarian Indulgences
Vegetarian fare need not shy from boldness. Mushroom Wellington draped in luxurious truffle jus offers earthy depth and umami, harmonizing beautifully with graphite and licorice undertones, each bite enhancing the next sip’s plush elegance. Eggplant parmesan, layered abundantly with Parmigiano-Reggiano, mirrors the wine’s impeccable balance, creating a comforting interplay between savory richness and lively acidity, while tomato brightness accentuates hidden depths.
Small indulgences add their unique charm. Truffle-mashed potatoes resonate with the wine’s earthiness, their silky texture entwining gracefully with "The Absurd's" nuanced complexity. Charred bone-marrow toast amplifies the wine’s deeper savory notes, its intensity matched only by the richness of each sip. Aged Gouda or Comté lends nutty wisdom, echoing the wine’s oak and espresso threads, revealing new dimensions with every taste.
For the adventurous palate, sweet duets beckon. Embrace a sea-salt bittersweet chocolate tart or black-forest cake crowned lavishly with cherry compote. Their bittersweet depth and fruity tang expose yet another layer of complexity, drawing forth preserved plum and licorice notes in delicate harmony, offering an unexpected yet delightful conclusion to your experience.
An Invitation to the Depths
I felt Oakville’s gravel hum beneath my palms as I guided Benoit Touquette’s meticulous hands, embedding shards of moonlight into every barrel. Now, in your possession, this bottle seeks pairings of equal depth, imagination, and gentle audacity. As you savor each sip, listen closely for my whispers in the mineral echoes and hidden violets. "The Absurd" 2016 is not merely poured—it is experienced, honored, celebrated. Allow it to weave its tale into your senses, creating an intimate, unforgettable journey that resonates long after the last drop, inviting you to return again and again.
