2009 Robert Foley - Cabernet Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
More structured, but also forward is the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. Its opaque purple color is followed by a sweet perfume of chocolate, barrique, creme de cassis, coffee bean and baking spices. Rich, full-bodied and dense with sweet tannin, unlike many 2009s which are slightly austere and somewhat closed and firm at present, this example is strutting all of its goodies. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. Foley is one of the more interesting winemakers in Napa Valley. I first met Robert Foley years ago when he was making the wines at Pride Vineyards, and his wines never lack intensity, always delivering high quality as well as abundant fruit. Tel. (707) 965-2669
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(from vineyards in Calistoga and on Mount Veeder): Good full, deep red. Very ripe aromas of black fruits, licorice, bitter chocolate and mocha, lifted by a note of spicy oils. Shows a mountain intensity and enticing sweetness to the fruit-driven flavors of boysenberry and candied blueberry. Boasts lovely sweetness and perfume in the middle palate but the rather claret-like tannins are tough going today and will need time. This wine was bottled in May of 2011 but only recently released.