I am a winemaker because it is a wonderful opportunity to work with something dynamic and alive during every incarnation of its existence – from grapes to glass. Wine is always changing – including in the bottle and even after being poured into a glass; and every year is different.
My job is creative, artistic, scientific, environmental and social and I am especially lucky to have my own label, which I started in 2006. I graduated from UC Davis in 2003 with a MS in Viticulture and Oenology and launched into the wine world as a consultant, working with Greg LaFollette. I began working with Greg in graduate school and we continued to work together after graduation – in fact it was Greg who really helped me connect theory to practice. Starting my own label was a huge step – I am my own boss, owner, and head winemaker – and thus am responsible for ALL the decisions that go into every bottle of wine. I have tried to create wines that reflect the vineyards they are grown in – wines that are balanced and elegant. I purposefully hold the wines back and let them age in bottle for 5 or more years before I release them. This is something I choose to do and can afford to do while not many of my competitors can afford to do so.
I hope you find my wines enjoyable to drink and compatible with many types of foods – the wines are incredibly age-worthy and continue to grow and change and evolve. These wines were made with love and intention – and I hope (especially in these times) that a glass of Blagden encourages thoughtful, collaborative, and kind communication with others.
A toast to your health and long life.
