Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot from the multi-talented Robert Foley, this opaque purple-colored 2004 Claret displays the Midas touch exhibited by Foley for many years. Sweet aromas of creme de cassis, licorice, charcoal and spice are followed by a beautifully etched, full-bodied wine with sweet tannins, well-integrated acidity, and a hint of background oak. Long, lush and opulent...
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Wine Spectator
Dusty oak and berry aromas are tight and compact, with dried currant, mineral, blackberry and oak, ending with more complexity and depth than is evident on the first sip. The tannins are firm. Decant.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.