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One of northern California's greatest winemakers is unquestionably Bob Foley, who has proven vintage after vintage that he has immense talent reflected in the wines he fashions at Pride Mountain Vineyards. Although his own operation is much smaller, he produces brilliant offerings. It will be nearly impossible for readers to find a better Charbono than this 2002. Exuberant, rustic, full-flavored fruit may fall short on complexity, but the wine delivers plenty of body along with loads of earthy, peppery, blackberry and black currant fruit. This pure, savory Charbono is meant to be drunk over the next 7-8 years, although I suspect it will last for two decades.

Native of southern France or northern Italy, Charbono arrived in California in the 1800s and gained favor as a body-builder and overall intensifier when blended with the early Napa Cabernets. Most "Charbonophiles" associate this variety with Inglenook which is where I fell in love with it in the 1960s. My Charbono is grown by Gary Heitz, former Inglenook grower, who provides profoundly expressive fruit from which I craft deep rich cuvees. Small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and new French oak complete the assemblage of this inspiring red wine.

The virtually perfect 2001 Claret (80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot) has more of everything. A tour de force in winemaking, it possesses extraordinary concentration, intensity, purity, and ripeness, yet retains an elegant style. With a spectacular perfume of blackberry liqueur, cassis, acacia flowers, graphite, espresso roast, and chocolate as well as a 60-second finish, this long, dense 2001 is still primary, but already fun to drink. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.

Deeply colored. Gorgeous bouquet features rich blackberry and raspberry fruit with copious amounts of oak. Follows through nicely on the palate with a beautiful combination of lush, sexy, ripe black fruits and penetrating depth of flavor. This wine has focus and palate persistence that’s hard to beat. There’s plenty of tannin and the acidity is excellent. The finish seems endless and thoroughly seductive. Maybe if we were picky, we’d say that a bit too much alcohol was showing, but this is still a nearly perfect Cab loved by everyone. Like we said, Foley is the "God of Cabernet"

Potentially the "Cabernet Sauvignon of the vintage" Foley's 2000 Claret (80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot) is an amazing effort for this irregular vintage. It possesses a saturated black/purple color, great elegance and richness as well as amazing precision and extraordinary purity. Aromas of smoke, licorice, incense, black currant liqueur, and spice box are followed by a full-bodied, satiny smooth wine with a 45+ second finish. This incredible 2000 is a tribute to Bob Foley's talents.

Saturated purple-ruby. Reticent but nuanced nose suggests blackberry, violet, licorice, minerals and mint. Very intensely flavored and densely packed but quite tight today. The wine's strong underlying minerality and firm acidity contribute to the powerful impression of backbone. Not hugely sweet today but impressively long, with very fine tannins.

This tiny 250-case lot from Pride Mountain Vineyard's winemaker, Robert Foley, exhibits exquisite concentration, balance, and harmony. This opaque purple-colored blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot reveals aromas of licorice, crème de cassis, blackberries, and iron. Full-bodied, rich, and exceptionally well-balanced, this impressive offering can be drunk now and over the next 15 years.

Cabernet Sauvignon by another traditional name, Robert Foley Vineyards Claret combines deeply extracted mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon character with carefully selected French oak. Small proportions of Merlot and Petit Verdot may be occasionally blended for complexity and completion of the tannin spectrum.