Robert Foley Vineyards 2017 Claret, Napa Valley

Robert Foley Vineyards 2017 Claret, Napa Valley

Item Number: 19397

UPC: None

Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: Napa Valley
Appellation/AVA: Napa Valley
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vintage: 2017
Grape(s): 80% Cabernet Sauvignon / 17% Merlot / 3% Petit Verdot
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 15.5
Case Production: 520

Tasting Notes: The Robert Foley Claret is the Foley flagship wine. It is Robert's Napa Valley tribute to Left Bank Bordeaux blends. This Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend is comprised of 80% Cabernet blended with Merlot and a trace of Petit Verdot. A dark, opaque appearance belies the degree of ripeness achieved in the early 2017 vintage. It is rich, full and completely even across the palate with a medley of black cherry and hints of violets. A flood of fruit coats the midpalate, framed in popping and beautiful tannins that linger gently in the finish. Natural acidity from mountain fruit provides perfect balance and a long finish.

Vintage Notes: Harvest of 2017 was unusually early for us, so the wildfires that ravaged Napa and Sonoma counties that year, happened while our wines were already in tank or barrel. We were thankfully spared from the flames and any smoke damage to our fruit.

Vintage Notes: Howell Mountain, at 2,000 feet, on the east side of Napa Valley, has extreme exposure, larger temperature swings, and volcanic soil, creating big firm shoulders, and masculine tannins. Calistoga vineyards are hotter and earlier to ripen, which provide the mid-palate lushness of glycerin and a higher alcohol.

Reviews

  • Jeb Dunnuck
    Rating: 94 (1/27/2021)
    "The 2017 Claret checks in as 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot that was sourced from a handful of sites (mountain and valley floor) and spent 20 months in 30% new French oak. Medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, and with an upfront, charming style, it gives up impressive notes of darker currants, tobacco leaf, dried herbs, and chocolate. This was a difficult vintage for the valley, but Foley has turned out a bevy of terrific wines, and the tannin quality in all of these is impressive."