Another very dark, opaque appearance belies the degree of ripeness achieved in the early 2017 vintage. Balanced like a fine Cabernet, red and Bing cherry aromas characterize the purity of the fruit. A flood of fruit coats the midpalate, framed in popping and beautiful tannins that linger gently in the finish, which extends with natural integrated acidity.
Harvest of 2017 was unusually early for us, so the wildfires that ravaged Napa and Sonoma counties that year, happened while our wines were already in tank or barrel. We were thankfully spared from the flames and any smoke damage to our fruit.
Our Left-Bank Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend is comprised of 80% Cabernet blended with 17% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot sourced from Calistoga and Howell Mountain.
Howell Mountain, at 2000ft, on the east side of Napa Valley, has extreme exposure, larger temperature swings, and volcanic soil, creating big firm shoulders, and masculine tannins. Calistoga vineyards are hotter and earlier to ripen, which provide the mid-palate lushness of glycerin and a higher alcohol.
Jeb Dunnuck Review:
The 2017 Claret checks in as 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot that was sourced from a handful of sites (mountain and valley floor) and spent 20 months in 30% new French oak. Medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, and with an upfront, charming style, it gives up impressive notes of darker currants, tobacco leaf, dried herbs, and chocolate. This was a difficult vintage for the valley, but Foley has turned out a bevy of terrific wines, and the tannin quality in all of these is impressive.
