12th Gate - Edmund Law Rogers, Jr.

2020 Red Wine - Napa Valley

The third of the Founders’ Series wines is named for Brother Edmund Law Rogers, Jr.  Born in Baltimore, Maryland on July 1, 1950, Founder Rogers was a friend and classmate of Founder Nicodemus before attending the University of Virginia in 1869.  A resident of Gildersleeve Cottage along with Brother George L. Thomas, they would host many meetings of the early days at the unofficial Kappa Sigma headquarters off the lawn. Founder Rogers succeeded Founder McCormick as Grand Master of the Zeta Chapter in 1871 upon the latter’s departure from The University.  “Kindly, polished, full of humor, he was a citizen of the world who loved the world”.  He studied architecture, but Founder Rogers was foremost an artist.  His passion for life extended to the stage where he could act, “free from personal anxieties and cares, thoroughly enjoying the life behind the footlights.”   Founder Rogers took the stage name Leslie Edmunds and would enjoy a successful life acting, eventually starring in The Octoroon in New York.  His artistic skill is well known in the Fraternity in the design of the Kappa Sigma Badge in 1869.  He later married Anna Carleton and continued to act until his death in New York City on December 19, 1893.

We introduce you to Edmund Law Rogers, Jr. Our proprietary red blend always exhibits the craft of blending, where all the parts complement the round character of the final wine. Deep dark saturated color, with spicy plum and black cherry, tobacco, cinnamon, and floral and camphor hints on the nose while on the palate it is voluptuous, dark fruited, juicy, round and long lasting with currant, dark chocolate, roasted beets and a persistent finish in this full-bodied wine.