June 23, 2020, Santa Ynez, CA — Crown Point Vineyards, the Santa Barbara County winery known for producing distinguished Bordeaux varietal wines from their estate vineyards in the Happy Canyon AVA, is pleased to announce that esteemed wine consultant Michel Rolland has joined the team as Consulting Winemaker — an addition that brings to fruition proprietor Roger Bower’s goal of having one of the most revered winemaking teams in the world.
Determined to make not only one of the best Cabernet Sauvignons in California, but in the world, Bower has assembled an all-star winemaking team whose collective experience is unprecedented in today’s industry. Famed oenologist Rolland is the newest addition to Crown Point’s all-French winemaking team, who joins Winemaker Simon Faury, alumnus of Merryvale and Harlan Estate, and Consulting Winemaker Philippe Melka, who has worked with some of the most renowned vineyards in Bordeaux and Napa Valley.
Born into a viticultural family in Pomerol, Rolland graduated with a degree in Oenology from the University of Bordeaux, then spent the early part of his career managing and growing his family’s estates in Bordeaux. Throughout his lengthy career, Rolland has consulted with over 250 world-class wineries throughout 14 countries around the world, including France, Spain, Italy, Argentina, South Africa and the United States, and is credited with contributing to the evolution of viticulture and winemaking as it is known today.
“Michel and I have crossed paths on several occasions over the years and I have always loved working with and learning from him,” shares Faury. “A true Master Blender, Michel adds a level of precision and focus that is extraordinary and I look forward to his contributions to our wine program.”
“Michel is a force in the winemaking world who brings unparalleled expertise, but he also recognizes the true potential for Cabernet from Happy Canyon to be some of the best in the world,” says Bower. “It’s been hugely important to me to invest in a team that is committed to crafting the highest caliber of wines from this special estate and I am excited to see what this talented group of individuals is capable of. With Michel’s artistry in tasting and blending, and Simon’s and Philippe’s extensive knowledge and rapport, I am confident we have the right team in place to elevate Crown Point’s quality to even greater heights.”
About Crown Point
Crown Point is an estate vineyard and winery located in the foothills of the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA. Founded by proprietor Roger Bower in 2012, Crown Point is focused exclusively on growing Bordeaux grape varieties. Crown Point prides itself on farming and winemaking at the highest possible level to produce limited production wines that represent the estate’s terroir.
For more information, please visit www.crownpointvineyards.com.
