Robert Foley Vineyards, Merlot, Napa Valley, California, 2018

Overview of the Wine
Robert (Bob) Foley began his wine making career in the Napa Valley in 1977, having just graduated from UC Davis with degrees in both Viticulture and Enology. He spent his first year working for Heitz Cellars, followed by 15 years as the founding winemaker for Markham Vineyards.

In 1992, Bob began another 15 years as the founding winemaker for Pride Mountain Vineyards. During this period, he also created the highly acclaimed Switchback Ridge, Hourglass, Paloma, and School House wines. He now focuses mostly on Robert Foley Vineyards wines, but also creates the offerings from Shelter, Padis Vineyards, Engel Family, Herson Family Vineyards, and JennaMarise in the Napa Valley.

Bob’s reputation for producing very expressive wines that finish gracefully continues to develop at his winery facility on Napa County’s Howell Mountain, where more than 1,500 barrels are housed in an extensive cave system (completed in 2008) for the production of Robert Foley wines.

Grape / Blend
100% Merlot

Origin
Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Bob produced his first commercial Merlot in the 1976 vintage when it was about as well-known as Charbono is today. After several years of trying to convince folks to give it a try, its popularity grew and eventually snowballed. Of course, Bordeaux producers have worked with this grape variety for many years and it is the noble variety of the Cabernet family on the right bank of that region. Like its Cabernet cousin, Merlot’s response to well-drained soils is profound expression and firm structure in the wines grown there.

Product size: 750ml