Robert Foley 'Griffin' Red

Robert Foley may be a highly decorated Napa guy, but that doesn't stop him from having some experimental fun with his grapes. The former Heitz winemaker still buys his Charbono grapes from them to ensure that one of his favorite varieties stays alive in Napa. Charbono, a.k.a. Bonarda (Argentina) and Douce Noir (France), is obscure but highly prized in California and always makes it into his 'Griffin' blend. Additionally, Griffin contains a sizeable amount of Merlot with smaller components of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, and Syrah. The 2015 vintage is bold and inky, with plenty of chocolate, blackberry, and violet on the palate, which leads into a long, grippy finish.