Morgan Maureze

Winemaker, Marciano Estate

I grew up working in vineyards and cellars at Dominus Estate. Then went to work in France where he worked at esteemed domains such as Etablissements J.P. Moueix in Pomerol (Chateau Petrus, Trotanoy, Hosanna), Chateau Haut Brion in Pessac-Leognan and Domaine de la Romanee Conti in Vosne-Romanee. Upon my return to the Napa Valley I worked with Andy Erickson and Austin Peterson at Ovid Vineyards. I then continued working for Andy Ericsson for 8 years as his assistant at Dalla Valle Vineyards, Screaming Eagle, Arietta, Dancing Hares and Marciano Estate.

Country born: France

Education: U.C. Davis, Viticulture and Enology & University of Bordeaux, Masters in Winemaking

Years in the wine industry: 10-15 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
Minimal intervention and focus mostly on the vineyard all while being very detailed oriented.

Michel Rolland

Winemaker, Marciano Estate

Michel began his work as an oenologist in 1973, a time when modern wine was in its infancy. In 1985 he was offered the opportunity to study the ways to maximize the potential of California's wines, and his life as a global winemaking consultant began. He has since worked on four continents, more than a dozen countries, and over 150 different proprieties. Michel continues to advise clients around the world, in addition to serving as the winemaker for properties in Argentina and Bordeaux.

Country born: France

Years in the wine industry: 30+ years

Benoit Touquette

Winemaker, Marciano Estate

Benoit's journey on the leading edge of fine winemaking spans continents. From Bordeaux to Napa, he has pursued a balance of elegance and power in his craft, achieving twenty-eight 100-point ratings along the way. Unquestionably a rising superstar in California, Frenchman Benoit Touquette makes a bevy of wines from throughout Napa Valley, all of which show impeccable winemaking and balanced, layered profiles.

Born in Lyon France and gaining his education from the University of Bordeaux, Benoit worked at numerous French wineries before getting a job (with the help of his friend and mentor Michel Rolland) in Napa Valley with Andy Erickson. He consulted for the likes of Screaming Eagle, Ovid and Arietta. Today, Benoit is the winemaker for numerous labels, including his own project Fait-Main (which translates to “hand-made”).

Country born: France

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years