Reviews & Ratings

2018 Robert Foley Merlot "Howell Mountain"

Winery: Robert Foley

Vintage: 2018

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Howell Mountain"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 100% Merlot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Howell Mountain

State or country: CA

Price: $75

Cases produced: 50

KWG Score: 94.5 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Excellent (94.5)

Review date: January 10, 2023

Wine Review: This opaque and deep ruby colored Merlot from Howell Mountain opens with an attractive blueberry and cigar box bouquet with hints of blackberry and chocolate. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with medium acidity. The mouthfeel is nicely balanced, round, refined and beautiful. The flavor profile is grainy graphite and mild black plum blend with notes of cedar, black cherry, and gentle cassis. We also detected hints of blueberry, mushroom, and clove. The finish is dry, and its well-managed fine tannins are dusty and build-up nicely. They last for a very long time. The Tasting Panel would enjoy this Merlot as a sipper. With food, we would pair it with a New York strip steak in the near term. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: This is our single-vineyard, estate-grown Merlot from a small vineyard block adjacent to our winery facility at the 2000’ elevation on Howell Mountain. Only three barrels of this lot were bottled. Super-ripe blackberry and black currant aromas are augmented by just a hint of roasted coffee bean. Rich and mouth-coating on the palate, this Merlot floods the senses with rich ripe flavors. Gently gripping tannins resolve this full-bodied wine – likely the biggest Merlot you've tried.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Robert Foley 2018 Howell Mountain Merlot.