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.
Our Wine
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Taste Profile
• Aromas and flavors of ripe mango, crisp apple and pear
• Toasted brioche and French vanilla notes
• Creamy, buttery smooth finish
FOOD PAIRING
Versatile with all types of appetizers and main courses.
Recommended Pairings:
• Sage-roasted chicken
• Seared scallops with brown butter sauce
• Roasted vegetables with creamy polenta
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 richly 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 Chardonnay varietal grape flavors. The result is a crisp yet buttery rich, complex Chardonnay. APPELLATIONS: Lodi, Arroyo Seco, Monterey
Winemaking
• Fermented in stainless steel to preserve delicate aromas and crispness.
• Secondary malolactic fermentation adds buttery creaminess
• Aged for 12 months in a French and American oak barrel. (American oak enhances the wine’s tropical fruit aromas and flavors. French oak imparts toasty vanilla accents.)
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
Recent Accolades
2020 Bishop Pine Chardonnay
90 Points, Tasting Panel, July/August 2022
