One of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District has appointed Ludovic Dervin as Senior Winemaker and General Manager. Christophe Paubert has managed the winery for 13 years and will retire after the 2022 harvest and return to France, his home country. Both Dervin and Paubert will work together on this year’s vintage.
A fellow Frenchman who’s originally from the Champagne region, Dervin has been making wine in California since the 1990s. His CV boasts such prestigious wineries as Kendall Jackson’s Vérité, Hartford Court and Mumm Napa.
‘We believe Ludo’s global experience, diverse background and passion for producing world-class wines makes him an excellent choice to continue the Stags’ Leap Winery legacy,’ commented Rachel Ashley, Sr. Vice President, Supply, for Treasury Americas. ‘Christophe’s commitment to quality, authenticity and sustainability has made a profound impact on Stags’ Leap Winery and we feel fortunate that he led this historic property for many years.’
Dervin was attracted to Stags’ Leap’s signature style of winemaking in particular and commented that he’s ‘thrilled to join Stags’ Leap Winery as its newest caretaker and for the opportunity to work with a brand that is known for its refined elegance, finesse and level of traditionality that really showcases the incredible quality of the fruit.’ He also added that he’s ‘look(ing) forward to taking the leap into its newest chapter.’
Stags’ Leap Winery was established in 1893 in the eponymous Stags Leap District and continues to use traditional techniques to create estate wines from a 240-acre property situated on dark, well-drained volcanic soils. While the estate is best known for its classic Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, this authentic, time-tested brand is also admired for its expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Syrah and Viognier.
Read more about Shafer Vineyard’s recent purchase of a nine-hectare vineyard in the Stags Leap District here.