The 2014 growing season was one of the most amazing we have seen in the last several years. Despite modest rainfall, the timing of the fruit development was ideal. Bud break began in the second week of March and a warm spring led to slightly earlier bloom and fruit set. A typical sunny Sonoma County summer allowed for optimal staggered ripening of each varietal. Due to the wonderful weather this wine has excellent uniformity and outstanding balance.

Created exclusively for the J. Alexander’s Chairman’s Club by one of Foley Family Wine’s most awarded winemakers, Mark Lyon of Sebastiani, and Vintner Bill Foley, this Red Wine features fruit from vineyards in Sonoma County. These varietals come from some of the most coveted appellations in Sonoma County. Coming from Alexander Valley are the Merlot and Malbec, being grown on valley floor gravelly soils. Knights Valley, being a little warmer and snuggled up against Mt. St. Helena, provides us with the Petit Verdot. The remainder of the varietals all come from the Dry Creek Valley which gets morning fog from the Pacific Ocean that tempers warm days providing a good balance of maritime and inland climates. The stone-strewn soils are ideal for concentrating fruit and flavor characteristics of Zinfandel.

This 2014 Sonoma County Red Wine is a bold blend of our favorite regions and sub-climates throughout Sonoma County. Its dark purple hue draws you into each glass. Notes of cigar smoke and dark fruit such as blackberry and cherry fill the glass. The palate is abundant with flavors of violet, coffee, clove and vanilla bean. The rich and dynamic mouth-feel with balanced tannins makes this wine a perfect pair with your with seared meats such as a nice filet mignon or lamb.