Robert Foley has been around the block a few times, so to speak. With wines like Hourglass, Robert Foley, Paloma, and so on, one can only expect the best of the best from this winery. The 2009 vintage just arrived and I can say that this blows 2008 out of the sky! This vintage rivals his best wines to date (2007 and 2008 vintage). The quantities are limited, so you know the drill!
Robert Foley 2009 Merlot, Napa Valley
Retail 60.00 – GGWC $53.99
Not a wine for wimps! This is a big, burly red! I would say it’s a Merlot on steroids, but these days one should not joke about that – so it is a Merlot for Cab lovers! The wine explodes right from the start. Its color reminds me more of Petite Sirah. On the nose one is greeted with intense aromas of black stone fruit and coffee. On the palate, this lush, big and bold wine is loaded with more black stone fruit, chocolate and coffee notes that are well-framed and offer of viscous mouth-feel. This 100% Merlot is a blend of Robert Foley’s Howell Mountain vineyard and a select (warmer) valley floor vineyard that provide harmony, balance and very well rounded mid palate. The tannins are silky, but don’t take this for granted. This is a wine that will age nicely
Robert Foley 2009 “The Griffin” Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
Retail 40.00 – GGWC 36.50
This is what Bob calls his economic challenged wine! Those who purchased the 2008 vintage will be greeted by an even more intense wine with this 2009 release. This Proprietary Red is a blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% of what Bob calls “blockbuster ripe and round” Merlot. A pleasure from nose to finish, it has a very aromatic nose, followed by a lush mouthfeel and a medium to full bodied palate. Stunning blend, lush, intense and I would challenge wines like Prisoner as I know it will blow it away in an instant!