2006 Robert Foley Merlot

Dark red-ruby. Aromas of dark berries, plum and licorice. Supple, juicy and bright, with a gentle quality to the dark fruit and graphite flavors. Ripe acids and sweet tannins give this early appeal. This persistent merlot is made from Peterson Ranch and other Napa Valley fruit, as well as vines on Foley's Howell Mountain property. Incidentally, the multi-talented Foley finally has his own winery with an extensive network of caves at his place in Angwin on Howell Mountain (he continues to make Hourglass and Switchback there). But probably the most impressive room in the new facility is the Batcave-like sound stage and concert space deep in the compound, where Foley and his band can amp up the volume without disturbing the neighbors.