(a 50/50 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot) Deep medium ruby. Black fruits, game, animal fur and brown sugar on the nose. Thick, lush and seamless, with a high-pH mouth feel. Even sweeter and more open-knit than the equally outstanding Reserve Claret that Bob Foley makes for Pride Family Vineyards. Very long finish features fine, spreading tannins and currant and pepper notes.

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There are 400 cases of this blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Pride Mountain Vineyard's winemaker, Robert Foley. Sadly, most of the 1998 (which I reviewed in issue #141) was destroyed in a warehouse fire. The only bottles that survived were those from his personal cellar and a handful of bottles provided as samples to distributors. The opaque purple-colored 1999 is a seamless classic, offering a sweet perfume of coffee, mocha, graphite, black cherries, licorice, and cassis. The wine reveals sweet tannin, beautiful purity, and a gorgeous layered texture. It should drink well for 15+ years.

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Dark in color, with a sleek body and tight beam of spicy, herb-laced cherry, plum and currant, this Cabernet blend firms up nicely on the long, persistent finish, where the tannins anchor the flavors. Shows great depth and complexity. 500 cases made.

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Classic claret and beautiful wine from bob foley