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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hugh Chappelle Named Lynmar Director of Winemaking; Completing New Executive Team
Flowers winemaker joins Lynmar Winery, which announces $10 million capital investment plan
March 1, 2004, Sebastopol, Calif. — Lynmar Winery, a Russian River Valley specialist in estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, has hired Hugh Chappelle as its new Director of Winemaking, effective March 1, 2004.
Chappelle, a rising star in the world of California Pinot Noir, spent the past 3 ½ years overseeing winemaking at Flowers Vineyard & Winery on the Sonoma coast. He will now manage winemaking operations at Lynmar Winery's 42-acre Quail Hill Vineyard, working closely with Lynmar's well-known consulting winemaker, Paul Hobbs, and vineyard consultant, Greg Adams, also a Flowers veteran and an expert on Russian River Valley and global viticultural practices.
Planted in 1977 in the Laguna Ridge area of the Russian River Valley, the Quail Hill Vineyard boasts some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the appellation. The vineyard estate is an exceptional site for top-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, benefiting from a desirable combination of Sebastopol Sandy Loam and Blucher series soils, cool coastal fog, and a diversity of site orientations.
A phased replanting program began in 1996-the same year as the winery's first commercial release by former winemaker Daniel Moore-and will continue through 2005. The plan is aided by recent advances in GPS and infrared imaging technology, soil profiling and monitoring techniques to optimize nutritional balance, improvements in rootstock and clonal selection, and a shift in the winery's philosophy to sustainably manage the vineyard on a vine-by-vine basis.
"I was attracted by the outstanding vineyards and the opportunity to work with Lynn and his management team, who have a sincere commitment and an uncompromising approach to every facet of the organization," states Chappelle. "The chance to be involved in realizing the potential of the Quail Hill Vineyard through the production of extraordinary Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is a winemaker's dream."
"Lynmar Winery has a rich tradition of producing quality wines that reflect the character of the Russian River Valley," said Paul Hobbs. "With the addition of Hugh, Lynmar is gaining an experienced and committed winemaker who can take them to the next level as a top producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay."
Lynmar Winery, owned by Lynn Fritz, an expert in global logistics and humanitarian relief efforts, also announced a $10 million, five-year investment plan to transform the estate into a world-class destination winery. Groundbreaking begins in February on an enhanced state-of-the-art winemaking facility, storage caves, guesthouse, and a new visitor's center and tasting room. The new facility is designed to host seminars, conferences, private parties, and wine education events.
"Lynn purchased a world-class vineyard with a vision of creating a world-class Pinot Noir," said Larry Moraes, the winery's new general manager. "We now have the team and the resources in place to realize Lynn's vision."
Fritz worked with Benchmark Consulting to assemble an executive team that consists of:
- Larry Moraes, General Manager, is a seasoned industry leader who has steered U.S. sales for brands including Franciscan Estates, RMS Distillery, and most recently, Stonegate Winery.
- Hugh Chappelle, Director of Winemaking, comes to Lynmar Winery with over 12 years of winemaking experience in Napa, Sonoma and the Sierra Foothills. Since July of 2000 he has been head winemaker for the highly regarded Flowers Vineyard and Winery, a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay specialist and the leading estate in the prestigious Sonoma Coast appellation.
- Paul Hobbs, Consulting Winemaker, is a well-known winemaker and consultant to wineries around the globe. Hobbs' own brand is critically acclaimed, and he has worked with Robert Mondavi Winery, Opus One and Simi Winery. In 2000, the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine named him "Winemaker of the Year."
- Greg Adams, Consulting Viticulturist, joins Lynmar Winery with over a dozen years of experience developing and managing world-class vineyards for the likes of Kendall-Jackson's South American projects, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and most recently Flowers Winery where he spent five vintages applying his expert knowledge to maximize the quality potential of cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards.
- Derek Bromley, Director of Sales and Marketing, joins Lynmar Winery with over a decade of wine sales and marketing experience, including Domaine Chandon/Schieffelin & Somerset Co. where he was U.S. Brand Manager for Domaine Chandon's varietal wines (Carneros), Terrazas de los Andes (Argentina) and Green Point (Australia).
- Julie Plunkett, Direct Marketing Manager, comes to Lynmar Winery with almost a decade of wine experience in public relations, marketing, sales, event planning and hospitality, most recently with Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards.
- Diane Kinsler, Controller, joins Lynmar Winery from Bank of America with over 15 years of finance and accounting management experience, as well as a unique perspective on the development of business systems to drive efficiency and productivity.
"These are exciting times for 'phase two' of Lynmar Winery," said Fritz. "We've got a dynamic and respected team in place that will transform Lynmar into a focal point for Russian River Valley Pinot Noir."
About Lynmar Winery
Lynn Fritz, an expert in global logistics and humanitarian relief efforts, founded Lynmar Winery in 1990 with the vision of creating world-class Pinot Noir. Lynmar's 42-acre Quail Hill Vineyard lies within one of the Russian River Valley's coolest areas, Laguna Ridge, an ideal microclimate for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery launched a $10 million, five-year investment plan in early 2004 to create a state-of-the-art winery and visitor center. For more information, call (707) 829-3374.
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Media Contact:
Kimberly Charles, Charles Communications Associates, (415) 701-9463
Amelia Weir, Charles Communications Associates, (415) 701-9463
media@lynmarwinery.com
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