HEALDSBURG — Jesse Katz, most recently part of the winemaking team at Screaming Eagle, has been selected as the new winemaker at Lancaster Estate Winery, working alongside famed consulting winemaker David Ramey and newly promoted David Drake, who becomes assistant winemaker after serving as an integral part of the team at Lancaster for the past decade.

Founded in 1995 at the southernmost tip of Alexander Valley, family-owned Lancaster Estate is recognized for crafting highly acclaimed wines under the Lancaster Estate and Roth Estate labels, exclusively from classic Bordeaux varietals, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 52 hillside acres.

Prior to his work with Screaming Eagle Winemaker Andy Erickson, Katz honed his winemaking skills with Paul Hobbs in Mendoza, Argentina at Viña Cobos, as well as Has Vinding-Diers, winemaker at Bodega Noemia and Argiano. He also spent time at Robert Foley in Napa.

“Lancaster Estate offers the perfect opportunity for me to build upon my passion for estate focused wines, and continue to explore and enhance the potential of our impressive hillside vineyards,” said Healdsburg resident Katz.
“It’s a privilege to work with such a veteran, talented winemaking team and our vineyard consultant, Phil Freese,” he added. “Most of all, it’s an honor to be on board knowing our proprietor is fully committed to creating only wines of distinction, integrity and the kind of authenticity that only a focused estate can offer.”

Lancaster Estate General Manager Chris Vyenielo said Lancaster was pleased that David Drake will serve as Assistant Winemaker, overseeing daily operations. “David has been a valuable part of the winemaking team and fully deserves a share of the credit for the reputation our wines have earned over the past 10 years.”

Visit Lancaster on the web at www.lancaster-estate.com, and Roth at www.rothwinery.com.
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