CLASSICALLY CRAFTED WINES, INSPIRED BY NATURE
Our native Bishop Pine tree embodies the resilient spirit, deep roots, and profound character of the California regions from which we source our grapes.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaking
Wine was warm fermented in stainless steel to enhance color, tannins and rich fruit flavors. American oak used in aging to impart round mouthfeel and structure.
Tasting Notes
Rich dark fruit, mocha, spice, and tobacco.
Food pairing
Aged cheddar and rosemary crackers, BBQ Pork, Smashburgers.
Chardonnay
Winemaking
Wine was fermented in stainless steel to preserve delicate aromas and flavors. Secondary malolactic fermentation and sur lie aging in American Oak added buttery creaminess and enhanced tropical fruit characteristics.
Tasting Notes
Toasted croissant, vanilla wafers, pineapple and guava.
Food pairing
Seared scallops with brown butter sauce, Herb roasted chicken.
Merlot
Winemaking
Wine was fermented in stainless steel to preserve fresh fruit aromas and flavors. Mostly neutral French oak in aging, to soften tannins but maintain dark fruit characteristics.
Tasting Notes
Raspberry jam, blackberries, toffee and dark cocoa.
Food pairing
Blue cheese stuffed mushrooms, Grilled pork chops, Beef stew.
The California Bishop Pine
The Bishop Pine (Pinus muricata) is a pine tree native to California’s coastal regions, where our family’s vineyards and San Martin winery are located. The origin of the tree’s name comes from being first identified near the Mission of San Luis Obispo in California’s Central Coast. The Bishop Pine is resilient, able to grow in arid conditions and dry rocky soil. New life springs forth from the trees under high heat or fires, which causes the pinecones to open and release the seeds. The trees play a critical role in the ecosystem by providing food and shelter for wildlife, and by purifying water, absorbing CO2 from our atmosphere, and storing carbon.
Vineyards
The same coastal climate that nurtures the native California Bishop Pine creates ideal conditions for vineyards to flourish, producing concentrated flavorful grapes. Our sunny, temperate climate allow grapes to reach full ripeness, while preserving crisp acidity. Our winemaking team, led by Christophe “Cris” Legrandjacques, selects grapes from vineyards across the state’s growing regions that best exemplify classic California varietal grape flavors. The results are rich, approachable wines.
Our Winemaker
Born in Champagne, raised in Africa, with wine training in Burgundy and Bordeaux, and winemaking experience in Washington and California, Cris brings a unique set of experiences and skills to his craft.
An avid outdoorsman, Cris strives to create wines that reflect his respect for the intrinsic balance and harmony in nature. This translates into care in the selection of vineyards, and by drawing on both time-honored and modern winemaking techniques to create classically balanced wines.
When he’s not making wine, Cris is tinkering with chocolate-making, skiing or hiking in the mountains, and teaching or practicing Ashtanga yoga.
Christophe “Cris” Legrandjacques,
Director of Winemaking
