Benchmark Wines by
Robert Foley
The Winery
Robert Foley
In 1977 Robert Foley began his winemaking career working at Pride Mountain Vineyards where he spent 15 years as founding winemaker. Although he now solely focuses on his own label and Switchback Ridge wines, Robert has built his career on producing the winery’s flagship Claret as well as focusing on other “big reds” that Napa is known for. The estate is known for expressive and concentrated wines that provide an elegant finish, and most of the fruit comes from high elevations. In total, Robert Foley Wines produces around 8,000 cases per year.
Tasting Notes
- WA95
- The 2004 Petite Sirah is one of the most compelling examples of this varietal that I have ever tasted from California. As longtime readers know, I believe this is the most underrated varietal in California, but it’s not exactly a fun wine to drink young. After 10-15 years of age, it often reveals more character than many more expensive reds. Bob Foley has fashioned a true blockbuster that should age for three decades, but should be accessible when young given its abundant extraction and richness. The softness of the tannins and the wine’s silky, voluptuous character suggest it can be consumed over the next 2-3 years, but it will not reveal many secondary nuances for 5-6 more years. An inky/black/ruby color is accompanied by notes of incense, fruit cake, blackberries, chocolate, and roasted coffee. Although it has huge body as well as massive concentration, nothing is out of place in this tour de force that takes Petite Sirah to a mythical level of quality. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2025+.
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