Switchback Ridge wines are sourced from the Peterson Family Vineyard in Calistoga. The property has been in the Peterson Family since 1914 and was replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah in 1990. Bob Foley has been the winemaker since the inaugural vintage in 1999.
Opaque purple in color. 14.8% ABV. Aromas of cherry, lavender, leather, kirsch and evergreen soar from the glass. Full bodied and plush on the palate. Unmistakably a Bob Foley wine. Currants, cassis, blueberry liqueur, chocolate ganache and raspberry on the palate. Consider blending the chocolates from a Whitman Sampler and you are on the right track. Over the top but that is what I both wanted and expected. The finish is long and supple. Great now but will surely continue to develop for 2-4 years.
My rating: 94 points.
Switchback Ridge wines are only available via their allocation list. The Merlot is a buy for me every year at a mailing list price right around $65.
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Was supposed to open a 2001 yesterday, but didn’t get around to it before I had to leave the party.