The art of winemaking is one that involves patience. From the months of meticulously caring for the fruit while its on the vine, to the years in the barrel dedicated to the aging process and time spent in the bottle after that – it seems that every step to getting to the final product is a waiting game. But, you know what they say: the best things in life are worth waiting for.
As the anticipation builds up, staff at Foley Family wineries across the coast are giving you a sneak peek into some of the new releases that are in the works – including the ones they’re most looking forward to.
2016 THREE RIVERS TRIVULET
Three Rivers Winery | Walla Walla, WA
With 2016 being such a great vintage for the property, the winemakers at Three Rivers wanted to find a new way to show it off – and do so with their “Old World” blend named Trivulet. This first release was inspired by the great old world wines of the right bank and is a Cabernet Franc & Merlot blend – two noble varieties that are known for making one of the best combinations in the world. “It’s rich and rustic,” says Three Rivers Assistant Winemaker and General Manager Andy Slusarenko. “I love it with wild mushrooms!” | Available online now.
2015 FIRESTONE VINEYARDS MALBEC
Firestone Vineyard | Los Olivos, CA
When you think of the Santa Ynez Valley, varietals like Chardonnay and Rhône likely come to mind – but Firestone Vineyard is here to break that perception. Their 2015 Malbec, which was introduced in their tasting room for a limited time, has a high level concentration of flavors in a low-yield year. “It’s a great food wine,” shares Linda Van Hook, Group Sales Manager for Foley Family Wines’ Southern California region. | Available now at Firestone; purchase by calling 805-688-3940 or online.
2015 CHALK HILL ESTATE RED
Chalk Hill Estate | Healdsburg, CA
Chalk Hill Estate is known for producing high-quality, award-winning white wines, particularly of the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varieties. One of their worst kept secrets, though, is that they also make red wine… and it’s just as good. The 2015 Estate Red has already been recognized with a 94+ point score from Wine Advocate and continues to get praise in the industry. | Available online and in the tasting room now.
2016 MERUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Merus | St. Helena, CA
Merus is one of California’s most exclusive and celebrated producers. A cult Cabernet Sauvignon in every sense of the word, it features fruit from the Coombsville region of south-eastern Napa Valley. Production is so restricted that the winery and tasting salon is open by appointment only and Merus wines are available only by invitations through allocations, complete with a waiting list. Don’t let this scare you, though – the 2016 Cabernet will be worth waiting for. Marc Herman, Estate and Hospitality Manager at Merus, shared that he thinks this vintage is one of the best since 2013. | Released September 2019.
FOLEY SONOMA’S 2016 VINTAGE
Foley Sonoma | Geyserville, CA
We know what you’re thinking: “That’s a broad statement… give us one wine!” Truth is, we can’t narrow it down. 2016 was both current winemaker Chalo Fernandez and former winemaker Courtney Foley’s first harvest at Foley Sonoma, so the 2016 vintage are officially the first Foley Sonoma wines that will be in the market. If we had to pick, though, there are a few that we’re extra excited for. “I feel our Cabernets are going to really put us on the map,” says Foley Sonoma Hospitality Manager Rebekah Nelson. “Look out for the ’16 Winemakers Cabernet, ’16 Courtney Cuvee, ’16 Oz Zinfandel, and ’16 Patty’s Patch.” | Available online and in the tasting room now.
