With his Pacific Division Champion Vegas Golden Knights in San Jose Monday to face the Sharks during their second-round NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs series, team owner and Foley Food & Wine Society founder Bill Foley welcomed Golden Knights fans to his flagship estate in Napa Valley – Foley Johnson.

Fans in town to support their beloved Golden Knights were offered the opportunity to board a private charter bus, known as the “VGK Express,” to the Rutherford winery, where they enjoyed a custom tasting of select Foley Johnson wines, small bites curated by Culinary Director & Executive Chef for Foley Family Wines Larry Forgione, a Vegas Golden Knights GoVino shatterproof wine glass, and a surprise visit by Foley himself.

“The views have been beautiful,” said Golden Knights fan Paul Sousy. “They fed us great food. Chef had a beautiful spread out here. And then trying all of Mr. Foley’s wines and now getting to hang out with Mr. Foley – it’s been pretty cool.”

“Well, I think it’s fantastic,” remarked Foley. “You know, all of these people basically traveled from somewhere to get to San Jose to go to the game tonight. I thought it would be great if we could share the wine experience with them – and they came up, a big bus-load. They’re having a good time…and they’re drinking some of the best wine in California.”

Located along Highway 29 in the prestigious Rutherford AVA, Foley Johnson exemplifies the understated elegance and casual warmth of the Valley. The winery produces two tiers of wines: Napa Valley and Handmade. The Napa Valley tier focuses on Bordeaux varieties from the nearly 50 acres of estate vineyards around the winery in Rutherford. The Handmade tier features special small-lot bottlings from some of the renowned winemakers in the Foley Family Wines group of wineries. Foley’s son Patrick has served as head winemaker for the past two years. During that time, Foley Johnson has earned multiple acclaims for several of their varietals, including numerous 90+ scores from leading wine publications each year.

The wines poured during Monday’s event included the 2012 Handmade Napa Cabernet, 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014 Estate Merlot, 2014 Estate Meritage, 2015 Handmade Zinfandel and 2016 Handmade Napa Chardonnay.

To purchase these and other wines, call the Foley Johnson tasting room at 707-963-1980 or shop online.

With several wines in each region earning recent acclaims, there are plenty of critics’ picks to try during your upcoming visit to wine country. But we also know every estate has its sleeper picks. You know what we’re talking about — those lesser-known varietals and limited release blends that make you wonder “How have I not tried this before?” or “Where have you been hiding this?”

So, in this installment of What to Taste This Weekend, here are our top choices for the best critics’ picks and sleeper wines to try at various FFWS tasting rooms this weekend.

---

---

EOS WINERY | 2300 AIRPORT ROAD, PASO ROBLES, CA 

Critics’ Pick: Eos 2015 Algunas Dias Zinfandel (91pts)

“Plump blackberry, dark strawberry, dried herbs and baking spice show on the nose of this well-rounded and easily likable bottling.The palate mixes fleshy red and purple fruit with a strong chaparral component in the midpalate.The firm grippy texture makes this a more serious Zinfandel than most.” — Wine Enthusiast

Sleeper Pick: 2017 Eos Tears of Dew Late Harvest Riesling, Central Coast

What our tasting room managers describe as “sunshine in a bottle,” our Eos sleeper pick is the perfect springtime taster that is sweetness to sip. It’s unabashedly indulgent, striking the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. This sweet wine opens with aromas of dried apricots, ripe melon and orange blossom. The palate’s satisfying weight uncovers rich flavors of white nectarine, jasmine, mandarin orange and honey.

---

Learn More & Shop Eos Wines

---

SEBASTIANI | 289 4TH STREET EAST, SONOMA, CA

Critics’ Pick: 2014 Sebastiani Cherryblock Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley (97pts)

“Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Cherryblock is profoundly scented of crème de cassis, blackberry tart, bay leaves and mincemeat with nuances of star anise, cloves and menthol. Medium-bodied and packed with taut, muscular fruit, it has a solid structure of ripe, rounded tannins and lively acidity, finishing with great persistence. This is a simply stunning, very smartly crafted, true Sonoma beauty! Still very youthful, forget it for 4-6 years and enjoy it of the next 25+” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Sleeper Pick: 2014 Sebastiani Roussanne, Santa Ynez Valley

Our Roussanne is sourced from Santa Ynez and, being a Rhone Varietal, it’s a unique varietal for Sebastiani. It has beautiful floral and honeysuckle notes on the nose carrying through to the palate leading into flavors of candied citrus and white peach. Its racy acidity and firm mineral embodies the classic features of its Rhone heritage. We recommend pairing it with your next poultry or seafood dinner. 

---

Learn More & Shop Sebastiani Estate Wines

---

THE FOUR GRACES | 9605 NE FOX FARM ROAD, DUNDEE, OR

Critics’ Pick: 2015 The Four Graces Dundee Hills Reserve Pinot Noir (92pts)

“Focused and well-built, with expressive cherry, loam and orange peel flavors that take on depth and structure toward refined, stony tannins.” – Wine Spectator

Sleeper Pick: 2014 The Four Graces Doe Ridge Estate Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton

This Doe Ridge Estate Pinot Noir adorns a deep ruby hue with lovely notes of black raspberry, shiso leaf and undertones of forest floor on the nose. Coming from the best eight barrels of it’s vineyard, this wine is not in distribution adn is covered by wine club members. 

---

Learn More & Shop The Four Graces Wines

---

Want to read about more of our critic and sleeper picks? Read another edition of What to Taste This Weekend featuring wines from Chalone Vineyard, Kuleto Estate, and Lincourt Vineyards.

The Pacific Division Champion Vegas Golden Knights are marching on through the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs and team owner and Foley Food & Wine Society founder Bill Foley is extending a special offer to fans who make the trip to Northern California to support the team.

With the club headed to San Jose to continue their second-round matchup against the Sharks, the Vegas Golden Knights and Foley Food & Wine Society are offering VGK fans an opportunity to visit one of Foley Family Wines’ flagship estates, Foley Johnson, in beautiful Napa Valley. Fans will have an opportunity to purchase a ticket on the “VGK Express,” which will transport them from downtown San Jose to Foley Johnson in Rutherford, California, where they’ll receive a complimentary tasting, special Vegas Golden Knights GoVino and exclusive offers on wines purchased at the estate.

The ”VGK Express” costs $30 per person and will take place Monday, April 30 with a departure time of 9:30AM PT. It is scheduled to return to the same location approximately 3:00PM PT. It includes: 

• Roundtrip charter bus transportation from San Jose to Foley Johnson Winery in Rutherford, CA
• Complimentary tasting of Foley Johnson wines
• Vegas Golden Knights GoVino shatterproof wine glass
• $30 credit towards the purchase of any 12 btl case of wine or wine club membership purchased at the estate

A similar offer was extended to Golden Knights fans who ventured to Los Angeles to see the team close out their series sweep of the Kings last week. Fans who visited one of three Foley wineries in Santa Barbara County (Firestone Vineyards, Foley Estates & Lincourt Winery) also received a complimentary tasting and VGK GoVino.

The offer is limited to the first 50 registrants, so be sure to reserve your spot today by clicking here. 

With several wines in each region earning recent acclaims, there are plenty of critics’ picks to try during your upcoming visit to wine country. But we also know every estate has its sleeper picks. You know what we’re talking about — those lesser-known varietals and limited release blends that make you wonder “How have I not tried this before?” or “Where have you been hiding this?”

So, in this installment of What to Taste This Weekend, here are our top choices for the best critics’ picks and sleeper wines to try at various FFWS tasting rooms this weekend.

---

Missed last weekend’s What to Taste? Catch up here.

---

CHALONE VINEYARD | 32020 Stonewall Canyon Road & Hwy 146, Soledad, CA

Critics’ Pick: 2013 Chalone Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir (92pts, Wine Enthusiast) 

There’s only one place to get this wine: the Chalone tasting room. And it’s available in magnum bottles!

“Smashed black plums, mulberry and apline strawberry show through the crushed rocks on the nose of this bottling that is lifed by a tarragon spice. Tangy blackberry and elderberry show on the palate, where wild thyme, oregano and peppercorns contribute to an intriguing sense of depth.” – Wine Enthusiast 

Sleeper Pick: 2013 Chalone Vineyard Estate Chardonnay 

Our sleeper picks are usually those that you’re not familiar with, but that’s not the case with this choice. The ’13 Estate Chardonnay is well-loved and has also scored well with critics, including a score of 92 points from Wine Enthusiast. The reason it’s our sleeper? Because it’s currently on sale in the tasting room… and selling fast. Run, don’t walk! 

---

Learn More & Shop Chalone Vineyard Wines

---

KULETO ESTATE | 2460 Sage Canyon Road, Saint Helena, CA

Critics’ Pick: 2015 Kuleto Estate Syrah

A visit to the Kuleto tasting room wouldn’t be complete without sampling (and probably buying) the Estate Syrah. The 2014 was given 90 points from Robert Parker, who notes: “A delicious fruit-forward and rather elegant, supple style of Syrah…soft tannins, juicy red and black fruits, a touch of meat and spice and a long, lush, heady finish.”

Sleeper Pick: 2014 Kuleto Zinfandel, Napa Valley

With just over 200 cases produced and the perfect amount of time in the bottle, the Zinfandel is one that you won’t want to miss — and you’ll want to drink it now. In 2014, our Zinfandel takes on a deep roasted walnut or roasted sweet corn character along with more typical chocolate covered cherry and black spice aromas. Whether it’s from the vintage or from never having been racked (moved with air) during aging, we don’t know. Nor do we care, because it’s delicious! It’s soft. It’s thick though it’s not heavy. It tastes sweet though it isn’t. And the flavor and texture taper off slowly hand in hand into the sunset. 

---

Learn More & Shop Kuleto Estate Wines

---

LINCOURT VINEYARDS | 1711 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, CA

Critics’ Pick: 2014 Lindsay’s Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills (92pts, Wine Spectator)

“Restrained mulberry aromas interweave with scents of turned soil, white pepper and clove on the earthy nose of this bottling. The sip starts with a pleasing softness but quickly grows deeper and more weighty with luxurious tannins, showing hearty red cherry and dried fruit flavors.” – Wine Spectator

Sleeper Pick: 2016 Grüner Veltliner, Sta. Rita Hills

The Grüner Veltliner is composed of 100% Grüner Veltliner grapes, a popular varietal grown in Austria. Retailing at $22 a bottle, this medium-bodied wine is affordable and has honey dew melon, wet stone, and almond notes that fill the mid palate leading to a crisp finish. Only 318 cases were produced, so you’ll want to snatch up one of these quickly for your collection. 

---

Learn More & Shop Lincourt Vineyard Wines

---

Want to read about more of our critic and sleeper picks? Read another edition of What to Taste This Weekend featuring wines from Foley Sonoma, Firestone Vineyards, and Lancaster Estate. 

With several wines in each region earning recent acclaims, there are plenty of critics’ picks to try during your upcoming visit to wine country. But we also know every estate has its sleeper picks. You know what we’re talking about — those lesser-known varietals and limited release blends that make you wonder “How have I not tried this before?” or “Where have you been hiding this?”

So, in this installment of What to Taste This Weekend, here are our top choices for the best critics’ picks and sleeper wines to try at various FFWS tasting rooms this weekend.

FOLEY SONOMA | 5110 HIGHWAY 128, GEYSERVILLE, CA

Critics’ Pick: 2017 Foley Sonoma Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Foley Sonoma winemaker Courtney Foley hand-crafted and selected this Rosé of Pinot to be included in the Winemaker Series, making it one of the favorites of this small-but-mighty property. Featuring a whimsical watercolor label representing the Russian River Valley hillside vineyard where the wine is sourced, this Rosé is made for poolside enjoyment or porch sipping and is sure to deliver a sense of youthfulness and cheer.

Sleeper Pick: 2014 Foley Sonoma Tannat, Alexander Valley

“One of the varietals that sold this winery was the Tannat,” said Foley Sonoma winemaker Courtney Foley. While a varietal Tannat may be uncommon, Courtney adds that the grapes are “just happy here” as they produce one of the property’s most distinctive wines aromatically; expect beautifully perfumed raspberry and cherry aromas with rich forest floor on the nose.

Learn More & Shop Foley Sonoma Wines

---

FIRESTONE VINEYARD | 5017 ZACA STATION ROAD, LOS OLIVOS, CA

Critics’ Pick: 2014 Firestone Vineyard Clone 174 Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley (92pts, Wine Spectator)

“Combines a brooding core of lively tannins and acidity with rich and lively blueberry, crushed stone and cracked pepper flavors. Would benefit from time in the cellar. Best after 2018.” – Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

Sleeper Pick: 2014 Firestone Vineyard Malbec, Santa Ynez Valley

The Malbec grape thrives in warm, sunny conditions — and that’s exactly what it got in the Santa Ynez Valley in 2014. The result? The grapes were able to ripen at an optimal pace and produce a wine that has an aroma dominated by black cherry, blueberry, and vanilla notes.

Learn More & Shop Firestone Vineyard Wines

---

LANCASTER ESTATE | 15001 CHALK HILL ROAD, HEALDSBURG, CA

Critics’ Pick: 2014 Lancaster Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley (94pts, Wine Spectator)

“Big and rich, with firm, structured tannins that are powerful and edgy, framing the core of blackberry, black cherry, plum and espresso flavors. An impressive effort. Best from 2019 through 2029.” – J.L., Wine Spectator

Sleeper Pick: 2016 Lancaster Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Lancaster Estate may be known for their lush reds, but the Sauvignon Blanc is not to be overlooked. This wine is 100% fermented in concrete, resulting in a much more opulent, full-bodied white that is still being clean and refreshing. It’s not currently available online, so make sure you add this to your list in the tasting room — you’ll be glad you did.

Learn More & Shop Lancaster Estate Wines

---

Want to read about more of our critic and sleeper picks? Read another edition of What to Taste This Weekend featuring wines from Chalk Hill Estate, Roth Estate, and Foley Johnson.

With the Vegas Golden Knights headed to Los Angeles to continue their first-round Stanley Cup Playoffs matchup against the LA Kings, Golden Knights Owner and Foley Food & Wine Society Founder Bill Foley is extending a special offer to fans of the Golden Knights who visit two of his Central Coast estates.

VGK fans who visit Foley Estates, Lincourt, or Firestone will receive a complimentary tasting and a special Vegas Golden Knights GoVino (while supplies last).

Located in the beautiful Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County, Foley Estates has developed into one of the top producers in all the Central Coast, annually earning 90+ scores from leading wine publications for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Located just a short drive from Foley Estates is Lincourt Vineyards, the very first winery founded by Foley in 1996. Surrounded by California pepper trees and overlooking the Alamo Pintado Vineyard near Solvang, Lincourt retains the rural charm and simplicity of an earlier era. The cool maritime conditions create wines that are intense, well-structured, fruit forward and true.

Founded in 1972, Firestone Vineyard was the first major estate winery established in the Santa Ynez Valley. The property’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, a mere 26 miles to the west, creates a climate that is arid, sunny and mild. The key to the winery’s success is the 400 acres of estate vineyards. Planted to a mix of Bordeaux, Rhone and Burgundian varieties, these vines provide Firestone’s winemaking team with the fruit they need to create an incredible array of wines.

LINCORT VINEYARDS
1711 Alamo Pintado Road
Solvang, CA 93463
805-688-8554 | tastingroom@lincortwines.com

FOLEY ESTATES
6121 E Highway 246
Lompac, CA 93436
805-737-6222 | tastingroom@foleywines.com

FIRESTONE VINEYARD
5000 Zaca Station Road
Los Olivos, CA 93441
805-688-3940 | tastingroom@firestonewine.com

The Foley Food & Wine Society has a full weekend, with Roth’s Adults at Play on Friday, Eos Estate’s Appreciation Party Saturday and Firestone’s Master Class Wine Workshop on Sunday! Check out our Weekend Preview Video to see what all the buzz is about!

Award-winning Chef Julian Serrano, a two-time winner of the Prestigious James Beard Foundation Award, provided the Foley Food & Wine Society with his recipe for Branzino Livornese. We suggest pairing with our 2015 Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay, as illustrated by FFWS Director of Wine Education during his recent lunch with fellow Master Sommelier and Executive Director of Beverage for MGM Resorts, Jason Smith, M.S.

With several wines in each region earning recent acclaims, there are plenty of critics’ picks to try during your upcoming visit to wine country. But we also know every estate has its sleeper picks. You know what we’re talking about – those lesser known varietals and limited release blends that make you wonder “How have I not tried this before?” or “Where have you been hiding this?!”

So, for our debut installment of What to Taste This Weekend, here are our top choices for the best critics’ picks and sleeper wines to try at various FFWS tasting rooms this weekend.

CHALK HILL ESTATE | 10300 CHALK HILL ROAD, HEALDSBURG, CA

Critics’ Pick: 2015 Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay (93pts, Wine Spectator)

“Lots of spice, apricot, fig and honeydew melon flavors combine for a full-bodied, mouth-coating experience, with a finish that sails on and on, gaining depth.” 

– Wine Spectator Senior Editor James Laube

Sleeper: 2014 Chalk Hill Malbec, Chalk Hill AVA

So, you know all about how Chalk Hill makes great Chardonnay every year, but didn’t know the iconic Sonoma estate made a fantastic Malbec, too? That’s okay. Not many people do, but our winemakers and tasting room professionals know all too well how special this lush red wine is. From the tasting notes…

“Strikingly deep purple in color with intense aromas of black cherry and smoky cedar. A complex, balanced, and full texture make it a truly bold and delectable wine.”

Learn More & Shop Chalk Hill Wines…

ROTH ESTATE | 10309 CHALK HILL ROAD, HEALDSBURG, CA

Critics’ Pick: 2015 Roth Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley (91pts, Wine Spectator)

“Complex aromas of creamy oak, mocha, gravel and dark berry combine for a dense, rich and concentrated effort that’s firmly tannic, with a seam of elegance.” 

– Wine Spectator Senior Editor James Laube

Sleeper: 2014 Roth Rancho Santa Rosa, Sta. Rita Hills

Now, we know you’re thinking, “Hey, Roth is in Healdsburg! Why are Santa Rosa and Sta. Rita Hills on this label?” Well, it’s complicated. Actually, no, it’s not. Our previous Roth Winemaker, Leslie Renaud, came to us from our Central Coast properties, Lincourt and Foley Estates, where she perfected the art of making Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noirs. Lesile wanted to introduce the Santa Rita Hills style of Pinot to Roth fans, so she had the fruit brought up to Sonoma County so she could do exactly that. 

“Voluptuous aromas of citrus blossom and bright fruit,” read the tasting notes. “Its fruit-forward flavors of pear, apple, lime and apricot mingle delightfully with wet stone and chalk.”

Learn More & Shop Roth Wines…

FOLEY JOHNSON | 8350 SAINT HELENA HWY, RUTHERFORD, CA

Critics’ Pick: 2014 Foley Johnson Proprietary Red Meritage ( 92pts, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

“It is another striking value among the stratospherically priced wines of Napa. More floral than its counterpart, with more uplifted aromatics, but similar weight and richness, this full-bodied, pure, ripe, delicious and complex wine has attractive aromatics, medium to full body and velvety tannins.”

– Wine Advocate

Sleeper: 2012 Foley Johnson “Handmade” Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. 

This is a wine that Merus winery made for Foley Johnson, only 75 Cases were produced.  This generous Cabernet has had a few extra years in the bottle and is showing amazing right now.  Full-bodied with plenty of lush blue and black fruit will pair with the richest steak.  It is also great to enjoy by itself.  

Learn More & Shop Foley Johnson Wines…

FOLEY ESTATES | 6121 E HIGHWAY 246, LOMPOC, CA

Critics’ Pick: 2015 JA Ranch Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills (93pts & Publisher’s Pick, The Tasting Panel)

“From its earthy perfume, secondary aromas of spiced cherry pie, mocha-cedar, and dusted cocoa come into play. ¬The flavors exude deep, dark black cherry and the earthy stream continues through to the nish. Black tea tannins take a light grip and are seasoned with baking spice.” 

– Meridith May, ¬The Tasting Panel, November 2017

Sleeper: 2014 Foley Estates Steel Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills

Delicate, alluring aromas of clover flower honey and lemon zest entice your senses. Fresh and citrusy on the palate, with flavors of pineapple, green apple and hints of ripe lemon meringue on the finish. This steel Chardonnay offers a nice change from its oaked counterpart, and pairs fantastically with the impending warmer weather. 

Learn More & Shop Foley Estates Wines…

“Adults at Play” is held the first Friday of every month and is one of FFWS’ most popular recurring events. Guests gather on the large patio or in the cellar, with a glass of wine, while listening to a variety of great local bands. We’ll have our lawn games available for play, including Giant Jenga and Cornhole, while serving some of Chef Larry Forgione’s favorite small bites! Our creative team at Roth always has fun promotions to offer, making this event the perfect time to add to your wine collection, or even start one. This event is complimentary for all, and is a great for kicking off the weekend!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADULTS AT PLAY…

Chalk Hill Estate added to its recent honors with two 90+ scores from Wine Enthusiast this past month. The 2016 Chalk Hill Estate Sauvignon Blanc was awarded 93 points from the publication, while the 2015 Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay earned 90 points. The producer joined Foley Johnson and Roth Estates as several in the Foley Family Wines portfolio to be recognized during the month of February.

Crisp and fresh, the ’16 CH Estate Sauvignon Blanc boasts bright and acidic fruits on the nose including sweet grapefruit, honeydew melon, lime blossom, white tea, and toasted fennel. The palate is succulent with grapefruit zest, nectar, lime, and flint.

The winemaker’s notes for the ’15 CH Estate Chardonnay suggest aromas of lemon, orange blossom and a hint of vanilla bean from the oak influence. It is a balanced wine with complex and full flavors, known for its long, rich and elegant finish.

Also receiving praise from Wine Enthusiast is the 2015 Roth Estate Sonoma County Merlot, which garnered 90 points. “Intense aromas of dark fruits, hints of sweet spice, and silky dark chocolate,” read the tasting notes. “Richly concentrated black plum, violet, chocolate cream and cardamom fill the palate on this dense and dark Merlot.”

The 2015 Roth Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, continues to impress, earning GOLD at the 2018 Hilton Head Wine and Food Festival. The wine was also honored by Wine Spectator in January, earning 91 points. From the winemaker, “A true reflection of our passion for the noble Cabernet grape. Dark in color with complex aromas. Rich and smooth on the palate. Supple tannins beautifully accented by a balanced acidity.”

Also placing at Hilton Head was the 2014 Foley Johnson Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, which earned DOUBLE GOLD. “Dark ruby with concentrated notes of blackberry, black currant, anise and earthy characteristics on the nose,” read the tasting notes. “Excellent body and mouthfeel. A wonderfully balanced tannin-acid structure.”  The ’14 FJ Cab had previously earned a 91-point score from Robert Parker.

Barrel Tasting in Sonoma Wine Country brings wine enthusiasts from all over to taste Sonoma County wines fresh from the barrel at over 100 participating Wineries!  Foley Food & Wine Society wineries Chalk Hill, Roth, Lancaster and Foley Sonoma get in on the action during both weekends of Barrel Tasting. We love this event, and enjoy liuve music and small bites paired with our wines. 

If you didn’t make it out for Weekend 1, we hope to see you for Weekend 2! This is a great opportunity to take advantage of exclusive offers on futures and library vintage wines. You can learn more about the Barrel Tasting and purchase tickets online at WineRoad.com. 

SEE THE BARREL TASTING PHOTO GALLERY…