2004 Claret

The inky/purple-hued, seamless 2004 Claret boasts gorgeous aromas of creme de cassis, blackberries, smoke, licorice, espresso roast, and spring flowers. With sensational concentration, full body, a voluptuous mouthfeel, decent acidity, and sweet tannin, it can be drunk now and over the next 10-15 years.

95 Points — The Wine Spectator - 2/07

The Robert Foley Claret was recently designated as one of the Rising Stars of Napa Cabernet in Wine Spectator (11-15-06). Despite the difficult growing season in 2003, last year's vintage received an average rating of 96 points from respected critics like and Robert Parker. The 2004 Claret promises to be one of the best ever! Cabernet from mountain vineyards and rocky well-drained blocks in Calistoga combine to form this blockbuster Claret. A small percentage of Merlot fills the mid palate while the Cabernets provide massive structure and mouth-filling tannins. Flavors and aromas of ripe black cherry and blackberry, chocolate and espresso linger in the finish for several minutes. This wine is enjoyable in its intense youth and will also bottle age for decades.

95 Points —Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate - 12/07

Saturated medium ruby. Very dark aromas of blackberry, licorice, minerals, tar and molten chocolate. Wonderfully ripe, thick and supple but not overly sweet. In fact, this tannic, brooding, youthfully backward wine is distinctly clenched today and not yet expressing its inherent complexity. Finishes with a medicinal austerity and big, dusty tannins. This boasts terrific fruit but needs four or five years of cellaring.

92+ Points — Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar