By: AJ McClellan
Bob Foley came into Graileys on Friday to taste us on his 2009 releases. Bob is always a treat when we get him into the shop. I accidentally asked Bob about Cabernet Franc which lead into a 10 minute story about how Bob met Andre Tchelistcheff and the antics that ensued after they met…
2009 Robert Foley Pinot Blanc – The Pinot Blanc was drinking very well on Friday. The nose showed white flowers with abundant lemon and peach notes up front. The palate was fresh and lively with great acidity and a long finish.
2009 Robert Foley Charbono – An incredibly easy drinking bottle of wine. The nose showed big black fruits with a hint of cooking spice and a pleasant note of milk chocolate. The palate was silky soft and a little too easy to drink. Notes of plum, black cherry, cedar, anise, and lavender makes this wine a great value for the price.
2009 Robert Foley Merlot – Another wonderful bottle that provides excellent value for the price. The nose showed dark fruit with dark chocolate and big cigar smoke. The palate is very well balanced with baker’s chocolate and a basket full of dark ripe fruits.
2006 Robert Foley Claret – The 06 Claret was in a great drinking window. The tannins have calmed down and are very well integrated into the wine. The palate was showing dark fruits with a great spice backing and a floral finish.
2008 Robert Foley Claret – I thought that 08 was drinking the best of the tasting with a great nose of fresh plum and red roses backed by tobacco leaf, cedar, and milk chocolate. The thing that really impressed me about this wine is the remarkable balance that Bob is able to achieve. There is no sign of the 15% alcohol and the fruit is in perfect harmony with the silky tannins. A great wine with the potential to age for another 10 years.
2009 Robert Foley Claret – There has been a lot of talk about the 09 vintage in California but Bob’s 09 Claret is drinking like a champ. The wine has a strong tannic core with the plush black fruits that we have come to expect from this bottling. Say what you like about the vintage but the 09 Foley wines have all been spectacular.
After the tasting, in true Graileys style we adjourned to the comfy seats and popped some great bottles for the table….
2007 Duckhorn Discussion – This bottle was drinking very nicely. The tannins are in a great place right now and the fruit was perfectly ripe and rich. This is a fun bottle to drink with a roast or strip steak.
1982 Pichon Lalande – One of my favorite all time bottles. The 82 was drinking great, as usual, with dry red and black fruits, smoked currants, leather, and big forest floor. There was a slight green note on the end of this wine that I just love, it adds complexity and helps integrate the earthy tones in the wine. The finish was amazing, lasting for a good 75+ seconds.
1989 Cheval Blanc – Parker gave this wine a lousy 89 points. I can say I disagree with Parker, but I can see why it was not a 98 point wine. The nose was brilliant with earthy aromas of dry leaves and forest floor. The palate was a little lean but still drinking well. Unfortunately the only place this wine is going is downhill… Drink now or forever hold your piece….
2009 Domaine Blain Gagnard Le Montrachet – I was very impressed with this bottle, for a wine so young it was drinking very well. The nose showed quince, pear, and apricot with notes of limestone and a bright floral note. The palate had a sharp acidity that melted the fresh fruit and brilliant mineral notes leading into a strong finish.
1978 Las Cases – This bottle has shown up every time we open it. Strong earthy aromas with dried figs, red cherries, and potpourri on the nose. The palate showed wonderful forest floor with a strong spicy finish. Great wine.
1964 Remoissenet Grand Echezeaux – I love these old Remoissenet wines. The 64 Grand Echez was drinking like a wine half its age. The nose was vibrant with bright red fruits and a deep earthy note. The palate was fresh with old dusty leather and bright raspberries on the finish.