Craig Williams and Tom Shelton, winemaker and president/CEO, respectively, of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, resigned from the Napa winery on Friday afternoon, according to their attorney.
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Williams, who joined the winery 32 years ago, has been closely tied to the winery for years, not only as its winemaker, but also its spokesman in many matters. He oversaw winemaking, including the 2002 Phelps Insignia (96 points, $150, 15,000 cases), Wine Spectator’s 2005 Wine of the Year. He was not available for comment.
It is no surprise that I love Insignia; I have discussed this wine here, here (and the lovely young lady may be enjoying this bottle very soon), here, and here. I will be curious to see what happens with Mr. Williams's departure -- but, given the high prices that Insignia has reached since it won Wine of the Year for 2002, I wonder if I will splurge on later vintages given the inevitable changes in style (even if slight) that a new winemaker will bring.
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