Winemaker

Bill Ballentine was born in the Napa Valley as were two generations before him. Living among the vines, growing grapes, and making wine were inherent values passed on to him by his grandfathers before him.

After becoming Winemaker for St. Clement Vineyards in St. Helena in 1998 until 2001 he was able to enhance his Cabernet harvesting and blending techniques. The 1997 St. Clement Cabernet Sauvignon he blended went on to become #25 in the Wine Spectator’s list of ‘The Best 100 Wines In The World’. In 1997 he made a small lot of Cabernet Sauvignon from grapes purchased in northern Napa Valley. In 1998 and 1999 he purchased grapes from Howell Mountain to put into his Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2000 his own Cabernet vineyard came into production to be used in the 2000 vintage along with grapes from growers in Howell Mountain.

Winemaking is Bill’s heritage and he dedicates this Cabernet label to his commitment and dedication to his family. The brand ‘William Cole’ is derived from the first names of Bill ‘William’ and his son, ‘Cole’. The wine’s name is ‘Cuvee Claire’ which is named after his daughter, Claire. He and his wife, Jane, reside in St. Helena, with their children on 5 acres.