The 2008 Claret (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) has that ethereal nose of spring flowers, boysenberry, blueberry, black currant, and spice. Following that seductive aromatic display, Foley’s brilliance is again exhibited in the mouthfeel of this seamless wine, which has full-bodied flavors, no hard edges, gorgeous layers of fruit, and loads of complexity already, but is still a youthful wine with its best days ahead of it. This is brilliant winemaking, as some of us have come to expect from Bob Foley, and it should age well for 15-20 years. The irrepressible and highly talented Bob Foley is out on his own now, although still consulting, and these wines are his personal projects. They have been very successful in the past, and there’s no indication that he intends to rest on his laurels.Tel. (707) 965-2669

An awkward wine. Tastes sweet and sour, like a Chinese restaurant fruit sauce. Lacks subtlety and nuance. Disappointing. Drink now.——S.H.(7/1/2011)—— 84