Auction purchase. Cork 2/3 saturated. The alcohol on this almost blinded me upon opening, then we went to raspberry cough syrup. My grandmother used to make a raspberry syrup--half fresh raspberry, half sugar. Add 1/4 grain alcohol to that and I get this wine. Petite Sirah influence?
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Classic Robert Foley Merlot, lush, full bodied and smooth. Lots of dark fruit and just plain delicious. Not fading but no reason to wait. Best after a couple of hours of air.
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From 375 ml, consumed by Marianne. Delicious upon opening - full-bodied, fruit forward w/luscious fruit, chocolate, and spice notes. Long finish. Love!
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Not decanted, this bottle was followed over four hours. Bright dark fruits with red fruit notes in the background, vanilla, herbs, toasted wood.
Equally flavorful on the palate, BlackBerry, black plum, bright blueberries; still plenty of backbone. My last note said that this wine is on the downside of its drinking window, but I believe my prior comments are understated based on this bottle.
Tonight I’d say this has 2 to 4 good years left ahead of it. It’s a bonus that I previously thought my prior bottle was my final bottle of this vintage, but sadly, this is now REALLY my Last Bottle.
Bravo Bob! Conveniently I just got your latest mailer yesterday!
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Out of magnum, blackberries, black cherry, chocolate, and coffee in the nose. Blackberries, plums, and chocolate in the flavor. Nice complexity, medium to full body, and a long finish.
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Sadly our last bottle. Uncorked and allowed to breathe for 45 mins. Real easy drinker; definately showing its age and very ready to drink - in the back half of its prime drinking window. Would consume by 2018
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Hooked up to nitrogen canister and followed over two evenings. Well-balanced and great once it gets to room temp. 2017-18 are probably the optimal years for this though it'll last a few years longer.
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Coravin'd several glasses over an evening, minimal air in the stems with each glass consumed within 45 mins. Dark cherry and raspberry on the nose, Vibrant, dark fruit dominates this wine; while it doesn't really coat/ envelope the palate, the rich fruit flavors linger like candy for 30+ seconds. With only 2 bottles remaining after this one is finished, would like to decant and follow over the course of an evening if I can let it last that long.
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As stated earlier, definitely a Cab lovers Merlot. This has dark fruit with a beautiful grapey essence and is super smooth. Note that this was after four-five hours of air on the second day after being stored on nitrogen overnight. The first day I drank it after only two hours of air and it was a bit monolithic. Nice, but just lacking the complexity and elegance it showed after four hours of air. Drinking great now (with a 4-6 hour decant), so if you have many, drink one, but let the others rest for another 2-3 years.
Update 8/3/16: after sitting on nitrogen for 10 days, and being decanted for four hours, it was even better. More complex and memorable. I raised the score to 95 (from 94), tying it with the 2005 vintage for me. My second Foley Merlot and second winner!
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Nose has some solvent character, but also a lot of dark matter: Milk chocolate, licorice, dried planks and a truck load of plums, cherries and dried fruits. In the mouth it sports the same aromas, even if milk chocolate dominates. Tannins M+, Acids M+. American oak vanilla trudging well on the subtly sweet finish. This is a full bodied wine from a warm place.
Quite open for business and quite a different beast from our previous btl from a few years back. Married all dishes except the "Pie #18" that had a spicy streak that the wine never liked. But there is always water on the table :-) Wife: 92p At stunning L'Effervescence with Matlen and Wife.
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Decanted for two hours. Fantastic nose, could smell the lusciousness a mile off. First mouthful was silky smooth, nothing for 2 seconds (getting worried) then an explosion of lovely ripe dark fruits, oaky, spicy with medium plus finish ... wow. Over the next two hours it smoothed out even more, the fruit was much more balanced creating a very enjoyable, eminently drinkable non-food well structured merlot. Yum.
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I once heard merlot referred to as the "comfort food" of the wine world. This bottle fits that description. Not overly complex, concentrated, or burly. Just very, very drinkable with ripe fruit and polished fine tannins. At times it seemed to channel a new world style tempranillo.
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Full throttle, ripe, red fruited merlot; not everyone at dinner loved it, but I do, and I think this is a good value for a Foley wine (half the price of the claret but definitely much more than half the wine).
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From a 375, decanted and consumed over 2 hours. Dark nose, heavy in oak with some alcohol. Ripe black- and boysenberry flavors, fruit-dominant, with fine tannins that give a slightly silky mouthfeel and coating. Hints of cough medicine in the finish; better than the notes imply, with the nose falling short on an enjoyable wine. Doesn't need food.
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Opened, quickly decanted and poured. A great demonstration of Foley's abiity to created seductive Merlot. Great black and blue fruit, structure and spice notes. Got much to give. Wish I had more.
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Wow. Smoother than smooth. Berries on the nose and initial taste. Nice long finish. Had heard a lot about this wine and it lived up to everything I had heard.
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Pop and pour; this is a stellar bottle! Blue fruit, ripe plum and some oak on the nose. Silky tannins soften the ripe blue and black fruit. What a smooth wine that's in a great place in its youth, but appears to have the structure to withstand many years of age.
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Toyed between 93 & 94 on this. You will not find a better merlot for the price, and I think Bob pretty much could earn the title of "Master of Big Merlot" going back to his Pride days. Decanted this for approximately 3 hours, and it wasn't really singing until hour 4. This has abundant life left in it but also is fantastic in itself as a big merlot that thinks it has a bit of smooth cab in its veins. I'm guessing that if you hit this at the right time (my guess: 3-4 years), you'll be wishing you'd have bought it all.
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Decanted from a .375 and immediately consumed. A year has done wonders for this from an approachability perspective. Still a bit more oak now than I'd prefer, but this'll be really nice once the wood softens up. Very drinkable with prominent black fruits, coffee, tobacco; spicy and a little alcoholic, but smooth with firm yet approachable tannins.
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Non-Blind. 5 hrs triple decant. Blackish red wine. Discreet nose with dark, ominous ompf in the background. The tightest Merlot I've ever had from outside of Pomerol. Not at all a "merloty" wine, as was my fear. This is subtle, fairly restrained and designed for longevity. Very fine acids (M+) to match the awesome fruit (L) and great tannins (M+) making for fine balance. As a structure, this is less cathedral (majestic) and more Rainbow Bridge (spanning). Can't wait to watch/taste it grow over the years. Only bought 3 btls, so two more to go. Next one in ~5-10 years depending on self discipline and what you fellow CT:ers find along its journey.
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Robert Foley's wines are fantastic. Initially with only a half hour of decanting this was a briary, dense, bold cherry bomb of a wine reminiscent of Zinfandel or Syrah. As we sipped this over the next two hours it smoothed out nicely, showing like a very well-made Cabernet, but with different angles and a lighter red fruit profile. Awesome!
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See previous notes. Using a Vinturi really did not do this age-worthy delight enough justice. Treat this in a serious fashion, for it really means business. The blueberry, olive, black tea, lava, vanillin, milk chocolate and floral qualities are prominent on the palate and nose. Give her time or a serious decant and be blown away. Very insightful and layered beyond belief; the tannins are velvety and really echo. Drink 2014 - 2029.
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Outstanding Merlot. Complex, layered flavors. Starts with dark fruit, blueberries, leads to a chocolate and coffee. Smooth, well integrated tannins, lingering finish. Decanted 3 hours.
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I really need to get some more. This is the second Merlot I have had made by Robert Foley and I think it is his new niche. Extremely approachable and smooth, velvety dark fruit with hints of chocolates swirling through. A great change of pace for me.
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- Violet color with fast forming legs and aromas of blackberry and violet. It's balanced and has flavours of blackberry with a full body. Round texture with a medium finish - At Arlene and Paul Rogoff's 9/3/2011. Intense Merlot. Not as well developed as the 02 BERINGER Private Reserve.
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Decanted for 45 minutes, before traveling to Le Farm, Westport, CT. Circumstances were difficult as the O glasses they gave us were warm from the dishwasher. Chilled the with cold water. Still an expressive delicious Merlot with an extended finish, and gravitas.
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Decanted for 3+ hours before our merlot tasting dinner. WOTN. Layered with vanilla, blackberries, a hint of oak and earth. Long and lingering finish with the slightest touch of sweetness right at the end. Shouldn't be surprised coming from Foley.
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Wow. Had with dinner in Venice, I can't say enough about this. Popped and poured, I could smell the elegant, layered nose from a foot away. As I enjoyed every glass my clearest thought was, "This is the best merlot I've had yet." Nose is great, floral with some subtle spice. Slightly grippy in the mouth but rounds out to a very, very good wine. Did I say wow, already? Possibly one of the best wines at this price point (I paid $50.)
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Decanted and consumed over 3 hours. Took 90+ mins in the decanter for this to unwind and open up, but then a very nice and well-integrated bottle. Dark purple coloring, virtually no sediment in the bottle/on cork at this point; lots of blue and boysenberry, coffee grounds and tight oak on the nose. At the 2.5+ hour mark the wine is fully open, medium+ in weight and while some tannins are present, they're soft and the wine appears to be more fruit-driven. Black cherry, coffee, more oak. This is a young wine that's drinking well today; the tannins are evident on the nose/profile even if they're hiding in the back on the palate at present. Another Foley winner! Sampled a number of the 2009's (incl Switch and Ghost) in barrell, and they too are full-bodied, lush wines that will be exciting to try and enjoy in the coming years.
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Tried shortly after opening, peppery and a bit tannic. So we put it down and let decant at least 3 hours. Open up to flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and espresso. On the palate the fruit hit us up front, and the chocolate/espresso closer to the finish. Definitely not a one dimensional wine. Good gripping tannins and a long lingering finish.
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Only needs double decant, and immediate rebottling. Absolutely delicious Merlot = or better than any of his Pride Merlots. As Ellen said her kind of wine. Rich, luscious, decadent.
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good bottle of wine, that is perfectly made. its just not my style of wine. drank way better day two after being left in the decanter in my cellar for 24 hours. i would definitely hold on this one. there is still significant oak to fight though but not overbearing by anymeans.
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Did not decant; utilized a Vinturi. Deep ruby, with violet. This beautiful Merlot has a lot of structure; tannins that are round and very present, while retaining a decent grip. This can age for some time. There's milk chocolate, blueberry, sun-drenched oak, blackberry and olive tapenade. Lush, dense and balanced, there's an obvious acidity that is refreshing. An ideal New-World Merlot that is not flimsy or over-blown by any means. I would wait another year. Drink 2012 - 2020.
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Wow. Blown away by the licorice, chocolate and coffee on the nose. Smells just like a milky way bar, but with nice blueberry. Body is full and smooth, but with lots of complexity to keep you interest. Already well integrated. Drink it now, as I can't imagine its going to improve on what is already very exciting. PDQ94+
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This is a stylish specimen exhibiting a modest depth of body but penetrating ripe redfruit and mocha on the palate. A long finish is most excellent. Not much of a fan of Merlot but this is very enjoyable and very outside the box.
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1/19/2022 - BrunelloBob wrote: 84 Points
Auction purchase. Cork 2/3 saturated.
The alcohol on this almost blinded me upon opening, then we went to raspberry cough syrup. My grandmother used to make a raspberry syrup--half fresh raspberry, half sugar. Add 1/4 grain alcohol to that and I get this wine. Petite Sirah influence?
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11/29/2021 - Hamersly wrote: 93 Points
Fabulous upon opening and not quite as good after several hours. Should probably be savored during the next couple of years.
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7/9/2020 - Hamersly wrote: 93 Points
Classic Robert Foley Merlot, lush, full bodied and smooth. Lots of dark fruit and just plain delicious. Not fading but no reason to wait. Best after a couple of hours of air.
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4/22/2019 - GoBlue2002 Likes this wine: 93 Points
From 375 ml, consumed by Marianne.
Delicious upon opening - full-bodied, fruit forward w/luscious fruit, chocolate, and spice notes. Long finish. Love!
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2/16/2019 - iamandyc Likes this wine: 93 Points
A wow aged merlot. Very typical merlot fruit and palate notes in a rich but balanced style. Good fragrant nose and lively finish. Drink it up!!
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10/1/2017 - davidandrose Likes this wine: 93 Points
Not decanted, this bottle was followed over four hours. Bright dark fruits with red fruit notes in the background, vanilla, herbs, toasted wood.
Equally flavorful on the palate, BlackBerry, black plum, bright blueberries; still plenty of backbone. My last note said that this wine is on the downside of its drinking window, but I believe my prior comments are understated based on this bottle.
Tonight I’d say this has 2 to 4 good years left ahead of it. It’s a bonus that I previously thought my prior bottle was my final bottle of this vintage, but sadly, this is now REALLY my Last Bottle.
Bravo Bob! Conveniently I just got your latest mailer yesterday!
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10/1/2017 - budman Likes this wine: 93 Points
Smoooooth.
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9/3/2017 - buckeye76 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Out of magnum, blackberries, black cherry, chocolate, and coffee in the nose. Blackberries, plums, and chocolate in the flavor. Nice complexity, medium to full body, and a long finish.
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5/13/2017 - davidandrose Likes this wine: 93 Points
Sadly our last bottle. Uncorked and allowed to breathe for 45 mins. Real easy drinker; definately showing its age and very ready to drink - in the back half of its prime drinking window. Would consume by 2018
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4/25/2017 - davidandrose Likes this wine: 93 Points
Hooked up to nitrogen canister and followed over two evenings. Well-balanced and great once it gets to room temp. 2017-18 are probably the optimal years for this though it'll last a few years longer.
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3/8/2017 - Ridgerunner Likes this wine: 93 Points
Wonderful Stuff
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8/7/2016 - davidandrose Likes this wine: 93 Points
Coravin'd several glasses over an evening, minimal air in the stems with each glass consumed within 45 mins. Dark cherry and raspberry on the nose, Vibrant, dark fruit dominates this wine; while it doesn't really coat/ envelope the palate, the rich fruit flavors linger like candy for 30+ seconds. With only 2 bottles remaining after this one is finished, would like to decant and follow over the course of an evening if I can let it last that long.
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7/24/2016 - ozziewine Likes this wine: 95 Points
As stated earlier, definitely a Cab lovers Merlot.
This has dark fruit with a beautiful grapey essence and is super smooth.
Note that this was after four-five hours of air on the second day after being stored on nitrogen overnight.
The first day I drank it after only two hours of air and it was a bit monolithic. Nice, but just lacking the complexity and elegance it showed after four hours of air.
Drinking great now (with a 4-6 hour decant), so if you have many, drink one, but let the others rest for another 2-3 years.
Update 8/3/16: after sitting on nitrogen for 10 days, and being decanted for four hours, it was even better. More complex and memorable.
I raised the score to 95 (from 94), tying it with the 2005 vintage for me. My second Foley Merlot and second winner!
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11/22/2015 - Ridgerunner Likes this wine: 92 Points
This is a great classic CA Merlot! So happy to have these kicking around.
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10/9/2015 - pjhr Likes this wine: 95 Points
Wonderful expressive blackberry and black cherry aromas and flavors with chocolate and oaky notes. A cab lovers merlot.
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5/23/2015 - Chapel Likes this wine: 92 Points
matured, smooth, balanced big boy Merlot. Not as berry flavored as a Merlot. Wonderful and pleasant to the very last drop.
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5/8/2015 - jrglm Likes this wine: 92 Points
This is a big boy. Full bodied and lush. No one drinking it picked it as a Napa Merlot.
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3/15/2015 - iamandyc wrote: 90 Points
Nice softened merlot with some chocolate, touch of creaminess and dark red fruit. Harmonious finish. Very pleasant
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12/29/2014 - jrglm Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very soft tannins. Almost like this wine is drifting away. I don't see this getting any better with more cellaring. I'll be drinking my last one soon.
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12/28/2014 - stconner Likes this wine: 88 Points
very dark in color. Huge finish and decent fruit on mid-palate. But still signs of too much alcohol - too much heat- which I didn't like.
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12/24/2014 - StefanAkiko Likes this wine: 92 Points
A bottled warm, friendly Napa hug.
Nose has some solvent character, but also a lot of dark matter: Milk chocolate, licorice, dried planks and a truck load of plums, cherries and dried fruits.
In the mouth it sports the same aromas, even if milk chocolate dominates. Tannins M+, Acids M+. American oak vanilla trudging well on the subtly sweet finish. This is a full bodied wine from a warm place.
Quite open for business and quite a different beast from our previous btl from a few years back. Married all dishes except the "Pie #18" that had a spicy streak that the wine never liked. But there is always water on the table :-)
Wife: 92p
At stunning L'Effervescence with Matlen and Wife.
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12/24/2014 - StefanAkiko wrote: flawed
Incredibly corked :-(
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7/14/2014 - gilbert galle wrote: 95 Points
Ranked 2nd at Cru tasting!
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6/30/2014 - cjohnson2960 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Rich and velvety mouth feel. Notes of chocolate fudge and pots de crème. Fantastic merlot.
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6/6/2014 - Asbo Wino Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted for two hours. Fantastic nose, could smell the lusciousness a mile off. First mouthful was silky smooth, nothing for 2 seconds (getting worried) then an explosion of lovely ripe dark fruits, oaky, spicy with medium plus finish ... wow. Over the next two hours it smoothed out even more, the fruit was much more balanced creating a very enjoyable, eminently drinkable non-food well structured merlot. Yum.
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6/4/2014 - soyhead wrote:
Nose - briar berry, cocoa
Mouth - slightly hot, sloppy berry, rather disjointed, not really feeling this today. Try again in a few. Has potential
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4/5/2014 - millerarner Likes this wine: 93 Points
I once heard merlot referred to as the "comfort food" of the wine world. This bottle fits that description. Not overly complex, concentrated, or burly. Just very, very drinkable with ripe fruit and polished fine tannins. At times it seemed to channel a new world style tempranillo.
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9/22/2013 - budman Likes this wine: 93 Points
Superb!!!!
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8/11/2013 - winejnky wrote: 92 Points
Full throttle, ripe, red fruited merlot; not everyone at dinner loved it, but I do, and I think this is a good value for a Foley wine (half the price of the claret but definitely much more than half the wine).
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4/23/2013 - davidandrose Likes this wine: 92 Points
From a 375, decanted and consumed over 2 hours. Dark nose, heavy in oak with some alcohol. Ripe black- and boysenberry flavors, fruit-dominant, with fine tannins that give a slightly silky mouthfeel and coating. Hints of cough medicine in the finish; better than the notes imply, with the nose falling short on an enjoyable wine. Doesn't need food.
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4/23/2013 - brianngibson wrote: 93 Points
Blueberries and chocolate. Big, bold Merlot. No mistaking this for anything but a Foley made wine.
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4/7/2013 - buckeye76 wrote: 93 Points
BLACK CHERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, AND CHOCOLATE IN THE NOSE WITH A FLAVOR TO MATCH. NICE COMPLEXITY AND A MEDIUM TO LONG FINISH.
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3/10/2013 - jrglm wrote: 91 Points
WOTN. This was a terrific wine. Still has some aging to go, but tasty nonetheless. Vanilla and rich fruit on the nose and palate. Extended finish.
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12/25/2012 - mactheknife Likes this wine: 93 Points
Opened, quickly decanted and poured. A great demonstration of Foley's abiity to created seductive Merlot. Great black and blue fruit, structure and spice notes. Got much to give. Wish I had more.
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11/22/2012 - DCSteve wrote: 93 Points
Wow. Smoother than smooth. Berries on the nose and initial taste. Nice long finish. Had heard a lot about this wine and it lived up to everything I had heard.
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10/21/2012 - davidandrose wrote: 93 Points
Pop and pour; this is a stellar bottle! Blue fruit, ripe plum and some oak on the nose. Silky tannins soften the ripe blue and black fruit. What a smooth wine that's in a great place in its youth, but appears to have the structure to withstand many years of age.
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8/4/2012 - mrmedoes wrote: 93 Points
Toyed between 93 & 94 on this. You will not find a better merlot for the price, and I think Bob pretty much could earn the title of "Master of Big Merlot" going back to his Pride days. Decanted this for approximately 3 hours, and it wasn't really singing until hour 4. This has abundant life left in it but also is fantastic in itself as a big merlot that thinks it has a bit of smooth cab in its veins. I'm guessing that if you hit this at the right time (my guess: 3-4 years), you'll be wishing you'd have bought it all.
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7/1/2012 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com wrote: 91 Points
I preferred the 03 Quinto de Noval to this.
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5/15/2012 - davidandrose wrote: 93 Points
Decanted from a .375 and immediately consumed. A year has done wonders for this from an approachability perspective. Still a bit more oak now than I'd prefer, but this'll be really nice once the wood softens up. Very drinkable with prominent black fruits, coffee, tobacco; spicy and a little alcoholic, but smooth with firm yet approachable tannins.
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5/4/2012 - StefanAkiko wrote: 91 Points
Non-Blind. 5 hrs triple decant.
Blackish red wine.
Discreet nose with dark, ominous ompf in the background.
The tightest Merlot I've ever had from outside of Pomerol. Not at all a "merloty" wine, as was my fear. This is subtle, fairly restrained and designed for longevity. Very fine acids (M+) to match the awesome fruit (L) and great tannins (M+) making for fine balance. As a structure, this is less cathedral (majestic) and more Rainbow Bridge (spanning).
Can't wait to watch/taste it grow over the years. Only bought 3 btls, so two more to go. Next one in ~5-10 years depending on self discipline and what you fellow CT:ers find along its journey.
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3/23/2012 - winejnky wrote: 94 Points
Robert Foley's wines are fantastic. Initially with only a half hour of decanting this was a briary, dense, bold cherry bomb of a wine reminiscent of Zinfandel or Syrah. As we sipped this over the next two hours it smoothed out nicely, showing like a very well-made Cabernet, but with different angles and a lighter red fruit profile. Awesome!
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2/22/2012 - jaxpaj wrote: 91 Points
More red fruit and lighter bodied than I remember from past bottles.
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1/12/2012 - Jab_343434 wrote: 95 Points
Outstanding Merlot. Very complex, lots of fruit, and very well integrated. I can't say enough about the Foley wines, all of them are fantastic!
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1/8/2012 - bobpsi wrote: 92 Points
Great nose of chocolate covered. Blueberries, tobacco and spice. Medium plus body of dark cherry, blueberry, mocha and herbs. Long spicy finish.
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12/17/2011 - Matt Scott wrote: 95 Points
See previous notes. Using a Vinturi really did not do this age-worthy delight enough justice. Treat this in a serious fashion, for it really means business. The blueberry, olive, black tea, lava, vanillin, milk chocolate and floral qualities are prominent on the palate and nose. Give her time or a serious decant and be blown away. Very insightful and layered beyond belief; the tannins are velvety and really echo. Drink 2014 - 2029.
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12/10/2011 - ChadRS wrote: 94 Points
Outstanding Merlot. Complex, layered flavors. Starts with dark fruit, blueberries, leads to a chocolate and coffee. Smooth, well integrated tannins, lingering finish. Decanted 3 hours.
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12/9/2011 - jaxpaj wrote: 94 Points
I really need to get some more. This is the second Merlot I have had made by Robert Foley and I think it is his new niche. Extremely approachable and smooth, velvety dark fruit with hints of chocolates swirling through. A great change of pace for me.
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11/1/2011 - brianngibson wrote: 93 Points
Blueberry, chocolate shake, chocolate covered cherries. Smooth tannins that don't make you think twice about going back for another sip.
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9/6/2011 - jrglm wrote: 92 Points
Excellent wine. Layered and complex. Evolves and adapts to the dinner wonderfully.
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9/5/2011 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com wrote: 92 Points
- Violet color with fast forming legs and aromas of blackberry and violet. It's balanced and has flavours of blackberry with a full body. Round texture with a medium finish - At Arlene and Paul Rogoff's 9/3/2011. Intense Merlot. Not as well developed as the 02 BERINGER Private Reserve.
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8/18/2011 - Dasher wrote: 95 Points
Soild wine for a merlot. Drinks like a cab.
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7/13/2011 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com wrote: 93 Points
Decanted for 45 minutes, before traveling to Le Farm, Westport, CT. Circumstances were difficult as the O glasses they gave us were warm from the dishwasher. Chilled the with cold water. Still an expressive delicious Merlot with an extended finish, and gravitas.
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6/26/2011 - jrglm Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted for 3+ hours before our merlot tasting dinner. WOTN. Layered with vanilla, blackberries, a hint of oak and earth. Long and lingering finish with the slightest touch of sweetness right at the end. Shouldn't be surprised coming from Foley.
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6/12/2011 - j3w wrote:
Wow. Had with dinner in Venice, I can't say enough about this. Popped and poured, I could smell the elegant, layered nose from a foot away. As I enjoyed every glass my clearest thought was, "This is the best merlot I've had yet." Nose is great, floral with some subtle spice. Slightly grippy in the mouth but rounds out to a very, very good wine. Did I say wow, already? Possibly one of the best wines at this price point (I paid $50.)
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5/28/2011 - davidandrose wrote: 92 Points
Decanted and consumed over 3 hours. Took 90+ mins in the decanter for this to unwind and open up, but then a very nice and well-integrated bottle. Dark purple coloring, virtually no sediment in the bottle/on cork at this point; lots of blue and boysenberry, coffee grounds and tight oak on the nose. At the 2.5+ hour mark the wine is fully open, medium+ in weight and while some tannins are present, they're soft and the wine appears to be more fruit-driven. Black cherry, coffee, more oak. This is a young wine that's drinking well today; the tannins are evident on the nose/profile even if they're hiding in the back on the palate at present. Another Foley winner! Sampled a number of the 2009's (incl Switch and Ghost) in barrell, and they too are full-bodied, lush wines that will be exciting to try and enjoy in the coming years.
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5/28/2011 - Dasher wrote: 95 Points
Can't say enough about this wine. It's a cab drinkers merlot.
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5/22/2011 - ChadRS wrote: 92 Points
Tried shortly after opening, peppery and a bit tannic. So we put it down and let decant at least 3 hours. Open up to flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and espresso. On the palate the fruit hit us up front, and the chocolate/espresso closer to the finish. Definitely not a one dimensional wine. Good gripping tannins and a long lingering finish.
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5/21/2011 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com wrote: 94 Points
Only needs double decant, and immediate rebottling. Absolutely delicious Merlot = or better than any of his Pride Merlots. As Ellen said her kind of wine. Rich, luscious, decadent.
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5/11/2011 - mattjohnson_78 wrote: 89 Points
good bottle of wine, that is perfectly made. its just not my style of wine. drank way better day two after being left in the decanter in my cellar for 24 hours. i would definitely hold on this one. there is still significant oak to fight though but not overbearing by anymeans.
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5/8/2011 - Dasher wrote: 95 Points
wow, this is smoking wine!
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4/28/2011 - Dasher wrote: 95 Points
Slamming bottle of wine!
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4/20/2011 - vancouvermatt wrote: 94 Points
Tremendous Merlot... lots of glycerin, full bodied, with a long, long finish.
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4/17/2011 - Decanthor wrote: 93 Points
This wine is pure pleasure. Smooth, sweet tannins. Let breathe for 30 minutes to get maximum fruit.
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4/6/2011 - Dasher wrote: 94 Points
Everytime I open one of these, I say this guy is the best wine maker in the valley!
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4/3/2011 - Dasher wrote: 94 Points
Can't beat this Merlot!
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4/3/2011 - Dasher wrote: 94 Points
Great Bottle of Wine. Can't get much better!
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4/2/2011 - Decanthor wrote: 94 Points
Tried at tasting. Lots of sweet fruit, silky tannins. Wow factor. Long finish.
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3/19/2011 - Dasher wrote: 92 Points
Great Bottle of Wine Foley Style.
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1/22/2011 - Matt Scott wrote: 92 Points
Did not decant; utilized a Vinturi. Deep ruby, with violet. This beautiful Merlot has a lot of structure; tannins that are round and very present, while retaining a decent grip. This can age for some time. There's milk chocolate, blueberry, sun-drenched oak, blackberry and olive tapenade. Lush, dense and balanced, there's an obvious acidity that is refreshing. An ideal New-World Merlot that is not flimsy or over-blown by any means. I would wait another year. Drink 2012 - 2020.
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1/11/2011 - pdemaio wrote: 94 Points
Wow. Blown away by the licorice, chocolate and coffee on the nose. Smells just like a milky way bar, but with nice blueberry. Body is full and smooth, but with lots of complexity to keep you interest. Already well integrated. Drink it now, as I can't imagine its going to improve on what is already very exciting. PDQ94+
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9/18/2010 - GreatLibations wrote: 91 Points
This is a stylish specimen exhibiting a modest depth of body but penetrating ripe redfruit and mocha on the palate. A long finish is most excellent. Not much of a fan of Merlot but this is very enjoyable and very outside the box.
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