It’s difficult to narrow down favorite wines from our standout portfolio, but this selection includes three of our best-loved offerings. From Chalk Hill, Lancaster Estate, and Foley-Johnson—the name Foley-Johnson honors both founder Bill Foley and his wife, Carol Johnson Foley—we’ve put together the perfect trio to pair with spur-of-the-moment hors d’oeuvres, steaks on the grill, or wood-fired pizza.

Our Founder's Favorites Gift Box Includes:

2019 Lancaster Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

A succulent pair to our Kwanzaa Stew, sourced from our volcanic hillside vineyards in Alexander Valley, this Cabernet Sauvignon has a nose of dark plum, tobacco, and black pepper and a concentrated palate of black cherry, dark stone fruit, and dried sage.

Pairs Well With: Grilled Lamb Chops with Black Pepper & Herb Marinade and Dark Cherry & Sage Sauce over Pork Tenderloin

2022 Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay, Chalk Hill – 92 pts, James Suckling
This age-worthy Chardonnay has fresh acidity and beautifully balanced fruit. Complex aromas and flavors of baked bread, pear, and hazelnut extend over an elegant finish. For a crowd-pleasing accompanist, serve alongside these Mini Latkes with Apple Glazed Salmon & Sour Cream. 

Pairs Well With: Baked Pear & Hazelnut Salad with Goat Cheese and Creamy Potato & Leek Soup with Baked Bread Croutons

2021 Foley Johnson Handmade Petit Verdot, Rutherford

Dark and inky in the glass, this Petit Verdot reveals aromas of deep cherry, sage, and caramel, with a bold palate of red cherry, plum compote, and cedar. 

Pairs Well With: Braised Short Ribs with Plum & Sage Sauce and Cedar-Planked Salmon with a Cherry Reduction
 

A lovely pale pink in the glass, our 2022 Rose offers a bouquet of violets, raspberry, strawberry and fresh peach. The palate is crisp and balanced with a subtle minerality and refreshing acidity. Flavors of stone fruits, bright cranberry and a hint of lemon thyme linger on the juicy finish.

On the nose, the 2019 Handmade Malbec opens with strong aromas of violet, red plum and peppercorn. Dark flavors of plum, blackberry, tobacco and mocha dominate the palate. Lush tannins meld together with mild acidity and pleasant oak notes on the long and satisfying finish.

Aromas of spice and bright red cherry fill the nose upon opening our 2019 Handmade Merlot. The palate is juicy and filled with flavors of pomegranate and cranberry, with a fresh acidity. The French oak provides structure and hints of toasted spice. A viscous mouthfeel and smooth tannins linger on the elegant finish.

Our 2020 Handmade Cabernet Franc opens with bright fruit aromas of cherry, plum and blueberry, and earthy notes of dried herbs and fresh mint. This wine is big and bold on the palate, with red fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry and plum. Medium-firm tannins are present on the long, creamy finish.

A well structured and full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with inviting aromas of huckleberry, cedar, black pepper and a hint of dried sage. On the palate, bold tannins are balanced with flavors of black currant and dark cherry with savory notes of tobacco and graphite. While approachable now, it will age beautifully over the next 5-10 years.

Our Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderful expression of the classic Bordeaux varietal. The nose exhibits aromas of blackberry, raspberry, caramelized sugar, barrel spice and a hint of tobacco leaf. These aromas carry through to the palate, with additional notes of dusty cocoa, vanilla, and dried sage. Firm yet smooth tannins are present on the lingering finish.

Deep ruby in the glass, our 2016 Handmade Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of vanilla, tobacco, black currant and anise which leads to an exceptionally soft wine across the palate. Complex flavors of dark cherry and blackberry are complemented by hints of cocoa, graphite and savory herbs. This wine is structured with firm but smooth tannins that lead to a satisfyingly long finish.

This 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon has a focused deep red to purple color with a brilliantly dark core. The nose exudes an initial attack of bright dark cherry, black fruits, purple flowers and cocoa with a background hint of savory herbs. The palate offers nice heft and weight, with elegant flavors of blue and black fruits, roasted coffee, graphite, vanilla and sage. Its full mouthfeel is structured by firm tannins leading into a poised finish.

Upon opening our 2018 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, aromas of black cherry and cassis fill the glass, followed by a hint of mocha. On the palate, bold tannins are balanced with concentrated flavors of ripe fig with savory notes of black olive and dried herbs. Well structured and full bodied, our Cabernet Sauvignon is approachable now, but will age beautifully over the next 5-10 years

Our 2021 Handmade Chardonnay is an exquisite representation of the varietal and growing region. Aromas of peach, honeysuckle, pineapple, citrus flower, and melon are complemented by notes of butterscotch and toasted caramel. The creamy palate delivers flavors of apricot, lemon rind, guava, and vanilla, with a long, structured finish. We recommend serving this wine alongside seafood pasta, buttered scallops, or soft brie cheese.

Upon opening, strong notes of black currant, mocha, and cedar fill the nose. This full-bodied Cabernet is layered with concentrated dark fruit flavors and savory hints of leather and spice. This is a well-structured wine that beautifully displays the quality of our Rutherford Estate terroir. While approachable now, this wine will age beautifully and gain complexity over the next 10-15 years.

Our 2021 Handmade Petit Verdot is dark and inky in the glass, opening with aromas of dark cherry, sage, violet, caramel, and forest floor. Bold and full on the palate, this wine has layered flavors of red cherry, plum compote, and cedar. The 48% new French oak aging softens the bold tannins and provides lingering notes of creamy vanilla and roasted coffee beans on the finish.

Our Handmade Chardonnay from the Kuleto Estate vineyards opens with tropical aromas of ripe pineapple and citrus, with warm notes of vanilla and spice. The palate is smooth and creamy yet balanced by a nice minerality and flavors of quince candy and lingering toasted oak. Enjoy this versatile wine with rich seafood or creamy pasta dishes.

The 2022 Handmade White Blend opens with pronounced aromas of key lime, white peach, and honeysuckle, with notes of lemongrass and jalapeño. The bright mouthfeel offers stonefruit flavors complemented by honeydew melon and grapefruit lingering on the finish.

Aromas of red fruits, tea leaf, hibiscus and caramel fill the nose upon opening our 2020 Handmade Merlot. The palate is juicy and filled with flavors of strawberry and sweet cherry with a fresh acidity. The French oak provides structure and hints of toasted spice, cigar box and vanilla. A viscous mouthfeel and smooth tannins linger on the elegant finish.