2008 Merlot

The dense ruby/purple 2008 Merlot has a sweet kiss of toast along with white chocolate/cocoa, plum and black cherry. The wine comes further alive in the mouth with a gorgeous display of red and black fruits infused with chocolate, espresso, and copious pleasurable flavors that present a smorgasbord of all that can be crammed into a Merlot. This full-bodied, opulently textured, voluptuous Merlot is about as good as it gets. It is irresistible now but certainly capable of lasting a decade or more – if anyone has the willpower to resist it. The irrepressible and highly talented Bob Foley is out on his own now, although still consulting, and these wines are his personal projects. They have been very successful in the past, and there’s no indication that he intends to rest on his laurels.

95 points – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #192, Dec 2010