Foley Family Wines (FFW), renowned for its commitment to exceptional winemaking, continues to garner accolades for its diverse portfolio. Driven by the stellar performances of its distinguished vineyards – Chalk Hill, Roth Estate, and Sebastiani – FFW has recently received impressive scores and awards from esteemed industry publications and competitions. This recognition highlights the quality and craftsmanship inherent in Foley Family Wines and reinforces its position as a leader in the wine industry.
Roth Estate, a cornerstone of the Foley Family Wines collection, has been particularly celebrated, securing awards for three of its exceptional wines. Leading the way is the 2016 Roth Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, which was awarded a remarkable 93 points by the prestigious Los Angeles International Wine Competition. The winemaker’s tasting notes eloquently describe the wine’s character:
“Displays mighty aromas of black cherry, cassis, wet stone and sweet oak. Rich and layered flavors of red currant, blackberry, dark chocolate and vanilla complement the firm tannins. Structured, and powerful, this Cabernet lingers on the finish.”
This Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies the Alexander Valley’s terroir, showcasing a harmonious blend of power and elegance that wine enthusiasts appreciate.
Shop 2016 Roth Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
Further solidifying Roth Estate’s excellence, the 2016 Roth Heritage Red received 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. This wine is more than just a blend; it’s a narrative in a bottle:
“Heritage is a red blend which celebrates the perseverant and relentless spirit of our forefathers. This wine is a tribute to our proud heritage and commemorates the many bold journeys that shaped our great country.”
The Heritage Red embodies the pioneering spirit of American winemaking, offering a complex and meaningful tasting experience.
Completing Roth Estate’s trio of triumphs is the 2017 Roth Chardonnay, Russian River Valley. Wine & Spirits awarded this Chardonnay 91 points and recognized it as one of the “Year’s Best Chardonnays,” a testament to its exceptional quality. The tasting notes paint a vivid picture:
“Rich and full. The nose displays aromas of apple pie, citrus blossom and passion fruit. The palate is expressive and round with golden apple, Meyer lemon, nutmeg, Asian pear and vanilla from the oak influence.”
This Chardonnay captures the essence of the Russian River Valley, known for producing rich and nuanced Chardonnay wines.
Find 2017 Roth Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Sebastiani, another esteemed member of Foley Family Wines, also garnered significant recognition. The 2016 Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley was honored by Wine & Spirits with 91 points and the coveted “Best Buy” designation. This award highlights the wine’s exceptional value and quality. The review describes it as:
“Floral currant scents flatter this wine with gamey sweetness even as its structure is lean, with some bitter mineral intensity gripping the finish. It’s tightly wound and red fruited, with a cactus like green edge− a substantive take on the Alexander Valley: generously fruited, tightly built, delicious.”
This Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon offers a compelling combination of complexity and approachability, making it an excellent choice for wine lovers seeking quality and value.
Find 2016 Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
Beyond Roth Estate and Sebastiani, other Foley Family Wines brands have also been celebrated. ALTVS, from Chalk Hill, earned accolades for its 2015 Napa Valley Chardonnay. Wine & Spirits awarded it 90 points and named it among the “Year’s Best Chardonnays,” recognizing its sophisticated character:
“This 2015 Altvs Chardonnay is beautifully balanced with a profile that is sophisticated and nuanced. Aromas of apple and pear are followed by integrated oak notes. This is a result of the small-berried clones of Chardonnay and the skin soaking method employed prior to fermentation. The palate is feminine in character, with delicate and elegant notes of apple, lemon meringue and a kiss of vanilla. The contribution of the grape skins is further evident in the rich and oily mouthfeel that gives the impression of great weight despite its modest alcohol.”
Shop ALTVS 2015 Napa Valley Chardonnay
Chalk Hill itself, a foundational vineyard for Foley Family Wines, received the Wine Spectator Impact Global Newsletter Impact Hot Prospect 2018 Award for its Sonoma Coast wines. This prestigious award underscores Chalk Hill’s long-standing reputation for excellence:
“Since its founding in 1972, Chalk Hill has been Sonoma County’s benchmark producer. For over four decades the winery has produced exceptional wines that have received high acclaim from the trade, press and consumers. Nowhere else will you find such transitional terroir as this: nestled atop the cooler Russian River Valley, just over the ridge from the warmer Alexander Valley. Among the estate’s rugged hillsides, a scant few hundred acres make up a patchwork of carefully nurtured vineyards which rest atop the rocky soil where the Russian River once meandered. Here, nature is joined by artisans of the vineyard and cellar to bring forth wines that reflect the character and richness of this special place.”
Kuleto also received honors for its 2016 Kuleto Native Son, securing 90 points and a Gold Medal from the Las Vegas International Wine Competition. This unique blend was described as:
“A collision of old and new world styles, the expected and not, this wine marries our juiciest and spiciest Cabernet Sauvignon and Melot, our most opulent, warm, fruit-driven Zinfandel, some dark peppery Petite Sirah, and our mouthwateringly grippy Sangiovese− just enough to drive your senses crazy. The resulting blend conjures up images of old head-trained California mixed field plantings. The 2016 Native Son showcases enticing aromas of red and black berries with hints of nutmeg, toasted wood, and a lingering spice. The palate is smooth with a silky mouthfeel that highlights the dark cherry and plum while notes of warm vanilla and baking spices give way to a length satisfying finish.”
Find 2016 Kuleto Native Son
Finally, Three Rivers added to the accolades with the 2016 Three Rivers Syrah, earning 90 points from James Suckling. This Syrah is noted for its:
“Rustic and juicy. Crushed berries, cured meats and slightly dusty notes fill the palate. This is a full bodied wine with excellent balance and a array of flavors that leads to a lingering finish.”
These recent awards across Foley Family Wines’ portfolio underscore the dedication to quality and the exceptional terroir of their vineyards. From Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay and unique blends, Foley Family Wines continues to impress critics and wine lovers alike with its diverse and award-winning selections. Explore these celebrated wines and discover the excellence of Foley Family Wines.
