Received my Robert Foley Vineyards mailer yesterday, and I must say, in this day of gigantic tasting rooms, winery clubs and fancy/glossy marketing pieces, I find myself drawn to those who don't try to blind me with fluff.

Arrived in a standard envelope with 2 pages in it; one was a pages describing the new releases as well as allocations, website and delivery practices that looked as though it had been run through a copier who ran out of toner eons ago; the other was an order form.

Foley's only description of the 2002 Claret; "The Claret (Cab Sauv) is off the charts again."

As for Claret allocations: You are allocated exactly what you purchased last year. If you didn't purchase last year, but did apply for the mailing list, you're on the waiting list but can buy The 2003 Charbono (described as "sick delicious!").

Prices:
2002 Claret $100/ .750 ..... $225/ 1.5L
2003 Charbono $35/ .750.. $80/ 1.5L

I ordered 3 of The Claret last year; looks like I'll be doing the same this year. Anyone try The Charbono?

Based on my recent experience with the 2000, I'd buy as much as they offered.

Bob Foley told me he thought the 2002 was better than the 2001. 'Nuff said.

I just sent an e-mail to the address provided. Might as well get my name on the wait list now.

Wow - I got an e-mail back from Bob a mere 90 minutes later. Looks like I'll be getting a mailer this round.

This made my morning.

I hope my email gets the same results.

Mailer coming my way. Thanks Bob!

I just read the mailer. Foley has changed the way it works this time around.


As SFbaybum said,if you have bought from him before you are on the purchase list (I don't know if this means if you purchased last year or if previous vintages count even if you skipped the '01). You are allocated the same quantity of '02 Claret as you purchased of the '01.

Otherwise you are on the waiting list for the 2003 Claret. There is no wait list for the Charbono, if you purchase the charbono you better your chances for getting the 2003 claret (building a purchase history)

Thanks for the info, mayak. That's pretty much what I was I expecting.

Interesting that even though I'm not officially "offered" the Claret, there's still a space for this on my order form. Bob's words on the first page of the mailer almost make it seem like the customer is on his/her honor to order not more than the amount Claret they ordered last year.

I got the mailer today. I have no history so I guess I'm only supposed to order the Charbano, but I'm going to request a couple of the Clarets anyway. What can it hurt? All they can say is no. I would really like to have some of the Claret.

Yup. That's what I'm gonna do, as well. Like you said, texaswino, it can't hurt to ask.

Be sure and ask for extras...

Hey, since we're asking...

My bet is that you will get them. He has some extras stuffed away

Why is no one complaining about the shipping charges? I found them to be fairly egregious.

I for one am unconvinced shipping charges are a big profit center -- even for Sloan. Foley's charges are high, but he'd rather not ship. I just ordered, and will be picking up at CWT at NO CHARGE. If it was important to him to make money from shipping he would not offer this free service.

Eiger,

This is a problem but if I had to I would gladly pay it on these Foley wines.

Lucky for you (maybe not for you) I can pick the stuff up myself.

Envy!

David, when you go to pickup let me know. Maybe I can do mine at the same time.

Foley's wines are worth twice the price. Just glad he didn't raise prices.