|
Handpicked by the Duckhorn family to be the executive winemaker for Duckhorn Wine Company's Napa Valley properties, Bill Nancarrow brings a global understanding of viticulture and enology to his role as executive winemaker for Duckhorn Vineyards and Paraduxx. Combining a respect for tradition with a talent for innovation, Bill applies his expansive knowledge of winemaking to the task of continuing Duckhorn Wine Company's legacy of quality. Raised in Hawkes Bay, the oldest winegrowing region in New Zealand, Bill developed an early passion for the wine industry. Formally trained in hospitality management with a focus on wine appreciation, he spent several years after graduation traveling and working throughout Africa and Europe before ending up in England, where he took a position as the harvest manager for Thorncroft Vineyards. In 1995, Bill returned to Hawkes Bay and joined the team at Huthlee Vineyards. Quickly making himself indispensable, Bill was soon promoted to winemaker. Bill's talent and ambition were noticed by New Zealand's acclaimed Bordeaux varietal pioneer Chris Pask, and in 1998 he was offered the position of assistant winemaker at C.J. Pask Winery in Hawkes Bay. There, he refined his skills, working side-by-side with Kate Radburnd, one of New Zealand's most respected winemakers. Recognized for his leadership abilities, and his talent working with a range of varietals - including the winery's renowned Merlot - Bill was named winemaker for C.J. Pask when Radburnd was promoted to managing director. Intent on expanding his knowledge by working a northern hemisphere vintage with one of California's top Merlot producers, Bill traveled to the Napa Valley in 2001 to work the harvest at Duckhorn Vineyards. When the assistant winemaker position at Duckhorn Vineyards became available prior to harvest, Bill's extensive experience made him the ideal person to round out the winemaking team. As a result, he was put in charge of running the crews and winery operations during this exceptional vintage. Bill permanently joined Duckhorn Wine Company in February of 2003 as the winemaker for Paraduxx and the interim assistant winemaker for Duckhorn Vineyards. Balancing a comprehensive understanding of the science and chemistry of winemaking, with a natural instinct for creating boldly elegant wines, Bill helped to define the Paraduxx style - further establishing its core fusion of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel as one of California's most innovative varietal pairings. In addition, Bill became actively involved in every facet of the winemaking process, from the planning and design of the Paraduxx winery to the meticulous cultivation of Duckhorn Wine Company's Napa Valley estate vineyards. Elevated to executive winemaker of Duckhorn Wine Company's Napa Valley properties in January of 2007, Bill currently oversees the production of Duckhorn Vineyards and Paraduxx, guiding each winery's dedicated winemaking teams. On a broader level, Bill works in concert with Zach Rasmuson, the vice president, general manager and winemaker of Goldeneye, to ensure the overall commitment to excellence that has come to define the Duckhorn Wine Company portfolio. Company founder, CEO and chairman Dan Duckhorn asserts, "Not only is Bill a gifted and passionate winemaker, with experience on three continents, he has the ability to inspire others. As our executive winemaker, Bill's leadership will help to build upon our rich history and traditions here in the Napa Valley." | 