2009 Robert Foley Charbono
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Tasting notes
(from a 1982 planting, now virused; just 10% new oak): Good bright ruby-red. Aromas of blueberry, black cherry, menthol and herbs, with pungent minerality emerging with air. Sweet and moderately dense, with flavors of crushed black fruits, A&W root beer and brown sugar. Finishes with a fairly full dusting of tannins and nice length. This got an extra six months of barrel aging, which winemaker Foley says gave it more density.
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(just 13.5% alcohol): Good bright ruby. Penetrating aromas of black cherry, licorice and tar. Blackberry fruit is nicely supported by tannic spine, with a note of bitter chocolate emerging on the long finish. According to winemaker Bob Foley, there are just 40 acres of charbono vines in California, half of them in Calistoga.