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.
Purple in color. 14.2% ABV. Amazing nose of blue fruits, crushed stones and flowers. Big, dense and complex with a sweet fruit profile. Currants, cassis liqueur and cocoa powder on the palate. The finish is long and silky with fine grained tannins. At first blush this wine seems to be slightly less concentrated than previous vintages but it picks up weight with time in the glass. The nose itself is worth the price of admission. Classic Bob Foley and a benchmark for California Merlot. Drink over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 92 points.
Switchback Ridge wines are only available via their allocation list. The 2014 Merlot was released to mailing list members last fall and is fairly priced at $70 per bottle.
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