Robert Foley Vineyards Robert Foley Vineyards Claret 2016 750ml

The 2016 Claret checks in as 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot. Like the Merlot, it too is a mix of mountain and valley floor vineyards. Loads of ripe currants, violets, graphite, and chocolate emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ripe, velvety tannins, and a great finish. This ripe, sexy 2016 can be drunk today or cellared for 15–20 years, if you’re so inclined. There are only 612 cases. (Jeb Dunnuck)

Foley’s 2016 Claret is sourced from vineyards in the Calistoga, Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder AVAs, a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, with about 30% new oak. Super ripe and concentrated, it delivers slow-moving swells of cassis and dark chocolate, being impressively full-bodied and almost fudge-like but lacking a bit of liveliness.