2009 Robert Foley Vineyards Griffin

This little gem is a proprietary red blend that Robert Foley Vineyards releases every year with a different blend. The 2009 is composed of 50% Petite Sirah, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 13% Merlot. It's ultra dark in color and displays everything that we've become accustom to with the wines of Robert Foley. That is, super rich and concentrated, fruit driven, and superbly balanced wines.

On the nose I get beautiful aromas of creme de cassis, blackberry pie filling, melted black licorice, graphite,  dark chocolate brownie, camphor, tar, sarsaparilla, and hints of violet. Yes, I know that's quite a load of descriptors......However, the wine is super complex on the nose.

On the palate the wine shows big blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate flavors, that combine with hints of graphite and mineral. The tannins are still quite aggressive as would be expected from such a youthful wine. The alcohol is definitely large and in-charge on the finish, but I can see the wine improving balance-wise with a year or so more in the bottle. 91 points

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