Napa Daytrip, Jan 2026: Davis, Realm, Myriad
Napa
Tasted Monday, February 16, 2026 by rnjbond with 79 views
Introduction
Organized a double date of wine tasting with good friends of ours.
This was a great tasting that came together in a great way and was thankfully not as chaotic as I feared, even though it was a very busy day.
We were also blessed with absolutely gorgeous weather, which was a pleasant surprise for mid-January when the rest of the country was dealing with freezing storms.
Started at Davis, which we won a tasting for on charity auction last year and saved it for this tasting.
Then after a lunch break at Brasswood, ventured to Realm North, where we are members.
Then finally, closed out at Myriad, before having dinner (pizza delivery) at our friends' place before returning back to San Francisco.
Flight 1 - Davis Estates (5 Notes)
I had not heard of Davis Estates until I won a tasting for four at a charity auction a year prior.
The tasting also came with a magnum of 2018 Davis Cabernet Sauvignon, which I enjoyed last summer with some friends at dinner, so I was excited for this.
The tasting experience was lovely. The grounds are beautiful, including the famous windmill on the label. We also went into the caves and got to tour around a little more.
For the tasting, we were lucky enough to be seated on the outdoor patio, where we enjoyed the weather and sunshine.
All the wines were good, if a bit young, and the small bites really helped elevate the wines.
Was also lucky enough to get a pour of the Phase V!
Great experience with nice hospitality, would easily go back.
Flight 2 - Lunch (1 Note)
Lunch at Brasswood, which was enjoyable and suggestion from our host at Davis.
The smart decision would have been to get water, but charged ahead with more wine. Even had a Sauternes at the end, but I forgot which one it was.
Flight 3 - Realm North (5 Notes)
I've really enjoyed Realm the few times I've tried them. We're members, but most of our bottles are being cellared for future consumption.
The Realm North property is absolutely beautiful and the tasting room is lovely, with lots of natural sunlight.
I also appreciate this was a very intimate tasting experience with a great host.
The wine spoke for itself and was amazing and clearly treated with care.
While this was the shortest tasting experience (just a shade over an hour), it never felt rushed, and I look forward to continuing being a member at Realm!
Flight 4 - Myriad (5 Notes)
Was lucky enough to have the opportunity to taste at Myriad. I admire and have enjoyed their wines in the past.
Another very intimate tasting experience, which I always appreciate.
Cannot say enough great things about the wine and the hospitality here. Never felt rushed here, even though it was the end of the day.
Flight 5 - Dinner (1 Note)
After all that wine, had some Detroit style pizza at our friends' house, where they opened another bottle, because why not end the day with more wine?
Closing
A truly memorable tasting, with a great combination of great company, exceptional wines, friendly hosts, intimate experiences, and lovely weather!
I would recommend all three of these wineries to anyone looking to go!
2023 Davis Estates Chardonnay 87 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Great way to start off the tasting.
Refreshing.
Lemon, lemon peel, some other citrus fruits. Not buttery.
89 points.
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2022 Davis Estates Merlot Rhys Private Reserve 89 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Plush and maybe slightly velvety?
Red plum, blueberry, and dark cocoa notes, with slight graphite.
Still young with noticeable oak and high tannins.
Picked up some bell pepper notes as well with time.
A little thin on the palate.
89 points.
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2021 Davis Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Zephyr Private Reserve 90 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
This is a left bank style blend, was told this was 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, which would make this a Bordeaux blend, versus the "Cabernet Sauvignon" this is listed as on CT.
Maybe more specifically, this felt like a Pauillac style blend.
Blackberry, dark cherry, blueberry, and graphite notes.
Enjoyable, but a little thin on the palate.
This was a nice wine, although it drinks more like a $60 Napa wine, versus the $135 price point.
90+ points.
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2021 Davis Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 90 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
I'm a sucker for any Howell Mountain wine, so I was very excited to try this.
This is clearly very young, with tannins for days and tasting like tanbark at times.
This is a powerful wine, with loads of dark fruit, dark plum, dark cherry, and pencil shavings.
In contrast to the other reds, this didn't feel thin on the palate, which was nice.
I have a feeling this will get better with time.
90+ points.
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2021 Davis Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Phase V 91 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
This was a bonus treat and a special pour by our host!
Dark plum, plum skins, pomegranate skins, dark cherry, and blackberry notes.
This is oaky, big, and still has super high tannins, which is no surprise given the amount of new oak in this.
I have a feeling this will be a great wine over time and I look forward to trying Phase V with age.
Melka is apparently the winemaker on this, which checks out.
91+ points.
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