Moonracer is not just a vineyard; it's a representation of the Realm Journey unfolding before our eyes. A decade into our stewardship of this special place, we find ourselves still uncovering its true character. Each vintage peels back another layer of complexity, revealing something new about this remarkable terroir.
The journey hasn't been without its challenges. Ongoing redevelopment and replanting efforts have transformed the landscape, as we've adjusted varietals and refined our approach based on what the land has taught us. We're building a foundation from the ground up—literally—investing in the future while learning from each passing year.
What distinguishes Moonracer from its siblings in the Realm portfolio? We often describe it as an "iron fist in a velvet glove"—possessing power and structure wrapped in elegance. The tannins here are fine-grained and polished, with a distinctive dried herb character (think herbs de Provence) rather than fresh herbal notes. The mid-palate density and muscular structure are hallmarks of this site, creating wines of tremendous presence and longevity.
Recently, our team gathered to taste through eight vintages of Moonracer, from 2014 through 2023 (excluding 2020, which was lost to wildfires). The tasting revealed not just the influence of each growing season but the evolving nature of our understanding of this complex estate.
2014: The Inaugural Vintage
Our journey begins with concentrated red and black fruit, cassis and dried herbs. Notes of anise, baking spices, graphite and red cherry dance through a wine now showing beautiful evolution. The palate is mouth-coating and creamy, with a juicy mid-palate and velvety tannins. This vintage skews toward darker fruit characters than our Farella wines from the same year. Ready to enjoy now.
2015: Pleasure in a Glass
The 2015 presents as more generous and extroverted—plush, round, and luscious. Red and black fruits mingle with baking spices and savory elements. Creamier and juicier than its predecessor, this vintage offers immediate pleasure and effortless enjoyment. Drink now.
2016: A Vintage in Progress
Ripe red and black berries with spice and toast. The palate offers juiciness and balance, but the prominent tannins suggest this wine will benefit from additional time in the cellar.
2017: Defying Expectations
Dark spices, herbal undertones, rich fruit, dark chocolate and black olive notes define this vintage that outperforms the challenging growing season. The wine presents as broad, dense and complete. This wine is delicious right now.
2018: Our Finest Effort
Perhaps the finest Moonracer we've produced to date. Gorgeous fruit harmonizes with baking spices, fresh herbs, pine, pencil shavings, and earthiness—a symphony of complexity. Rich and concentrated yet smooth and seamless, with creamy texture and remarkable freshness. The palate shows exceptional energy and balance. Immensely age-worthy, though irresistible now. As one taster noted, "I would drink this every day if I could."
2019: Aromatically Complex
Aromatically fascinating with darker notes of dried herbs, dark spices, blood orange, and a subtle dustiness. The texture is inviting, though the scale feels slightly smaller than the magnificent 2018. This vintage will reward patience.
2020 Vintage
We did not produce any red wines in 2020.
2021: A New Level of Freshness
Rich red and black fruit, vanilla, baking spices, black licorice and herbs create a complex aromatic profile. The palate is dense and structured, yet well-integrated, with a long finish. This vintage marks a new level of freshness and purity in the fruit expression. Despite its youth, it's delicious and packed with personality. Hold for 10-15 years to witness its full potential.
2022: Youthful Promise
Our newest release shows bright fruit, plum, vanilla, and warm spices. Tightly packed with many layers waiting to unfold. The wine remains very primary and needs time but holds tremendous promise.
2023: Power in Poise
Bright and focused, with a fine thread of tension. Layers of red fruit, savory spice, and dark chocolate unfold over firm yet graceful tannins. Power, precision, and poise.
To learn more about the label artwork, visit Moonracer Estate: Behind the Label, click here.
