The Founders Red Series commemorates the seven young men who wanted something better in a fraternity during their collegiate experience, and from that recognition, a dream was born – the fraternity of Sigma Chi. This wine is the first of a seven-year series.

The 2018 In Hoc “Courage” Napa Valley Founders Red is a master blend by winemaker Todd Heth. It has a beautiful core of currant, cherry, and plum fruit which makes the wine approachable now. It also has the structure to be aged, should you wish to cellar your wine and see your Founders series accumulate. The first bottling honors the courage of Founder Benjamin Piatt Runkle. 

The second wine in the inaugural release is the 2019 In Hoc “The Sweetheart” Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa Valley. Carefully crafted from fruit of the chalky soil and cooler climate of Carneros in southern Napa Valley, this wine was aged in French oak for fourteen months and displays a beautiful balance of fruit, oak and liveliness on the palate.

The Sweetheart is the symbol for the spiritual ingredient in the brotherhood and we hope this wine will be shared amongst friends and family in the same sentiment. 

The 2019 Norman Shield Pinot Noir hails from the cool climate of the Russian River Valley. This prestigious area is renowned for this grape variety and has many passionate growers and producers. The 2019 Norman Shield Pinot Noir is very aromatic, with a silky mouthfeel, and has a fruit character that is ripe and intense.

The 2019 White Rose is a Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon. The watermelon and strawberry notes burst out of the glass. When served cool on a warm day, the juicy acidity of the 2019 White Rose makes for a very refreshing and versatile wine to share at any occasion.