Meet the Winemaker―ROBERT FOLEY

722 Pasadena Avenue South,South Pasadena FL 33707

16 April, 2021

Description

Robert Foley has more than 40 vintages rated over 90 points The God of CabernetBob Foley began making wine in 1977, having just graduated from UC Davis with degrees in Viticulture and Enology. He spent his first year working for Heitz Cellars, followed by 15 years as the founding winemaker for Markham.​ Robert Foley Vineyards bottled its flagship Claret in 1998 and has since expanded its production to offer more of the big reds Bob is famous for. His reputation for producing expressive wines that finish gracefully continues to grow at his winery on Howell Mountain, where more than 1500 barrels are housed in an extensive cave system. With four dozen vintages of 90+ point wines to his credit, it's no wonder Foley's known as "The God of Cabernet." When not making wine, Bob spends his time with RFV's business manager Kelly, who also happens to be his wife. You might also find him scuba diving or playing guitar in The Robert Foley Band. Each wine in this special tasting will be accompanied by a savory food pairing. Limited, socially-distanced indoor / outdoor seating available. TASTING LIST 2019 ChardonnayNAPA VALLEY 100% Chardonnay. White peach, star jasmine and gardenia mingle with traces of vanilla. Bright fresh flavors evolve on the midpalate and burst vibrantly into a delicious framework of fresh acidity. Crafted in the style we prefer, avoiding the heavy hand of malolactic fermentation and excessive oak and creating more of a Chablis than the typical buttery Chardonnay. 600 cases. 2014 Hudson Vineyard Pinot NoirCARNEROS 100% Pinot Noir. Burgundian in character, with classic Pinot bright berry, tea leaf and toasty briar along with notes of game and bacon. The midpalate is delightfully even, with perfectly integrated flavors which resolve in a mouthwatering finish where the flavors linger. With alcohol in the mid 12s, there is no sensation of heat, simply a beckoning for another mouthful! 650 cases. 2016 CharbonoCALISTOGA 100% Charbono. Foley sampled the 1968 Inglenook Charbono from cask in 1969 and was inspired to make wine with that taste. Ripe red berry candy and grape jelly aromas with just a touch of lavender floral character. Very lively acidity and medium body address the palate with very fine gentle tannin. Thorough ripeness and bright tangy acidity. Beautifully balanced. 500 cases. 2014 Kelly’s Mountain Cuvée CabernetATLAS PEAK 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Elegant and light on its feet with beautiful acidity. One of the most successful Cabernets born in high elevation. On the nose, there’s black fruit— black berry, blackcurrant— screaming with ripeness. Full-bodied on the palate, with a rich midpalate, fine tannins and smooth finish which, with the wine’s natural acidity, goes on and on and on. 300 cases. 2015 Cabernet SauvignonNAPA VALLEY 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Weathered high-elevation vineyards provide color intensity, higher acidity and spiciness from surrounding forests. Lower elevation blocks with rocky soils and extreme heat provide lush midpalate and fine tannins. Ripe black cherry and rhubarb pie aromas with a thick, almost sweet mouth-coating middle. Well-integrated oak character. 900 cases. 2014 ClaretNAPA VALLEY Robert Parker 95 pts, Jeb Dunnuck 97 pts Foley’s flagship wine: A classic Left Bank Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Blackcurrant and cherry aromas with exotic hints of menthol and spice. Background flavors of cedar, toast, licorice and forest floor. Full, rich and even across the palate. Terrifically rich. Sweet, velvety tannin and notable opulence and length. 700 cases.