Rossi-Wallace Wines

This label is a partnership between winemaker Ric Forman and winemaker and viticulturist Cheryl Emmolo. Cheryl was born and raised on St. Helena's Galleron Lane, where her father, Frank Emmolo, owned one of the largest rootstock and nursery businesses in California. Today, Cheryl's family runs Emmolo Wines, a boutique winery producing Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah and Rosé wines. Ric Forman began his winery career at Stony Hill Winery over 40 years ago and later put Sterling Vineyards on the map. He launched his own label, Forman Vineyard in 1983 and developed a reputation for racy Cabernet Sauvignons and Burgundian-style Chardonnays.

A few years after Ric and Cheryl married, they began talking about making wine together as well as separately. Neither wanted to relinquish their own labels. They decided to produce a Chablis-styled Chardonnay and a Burgundian-inspired Pinot Noir together with a new label. The name, Rossi-Wallace, honors their mothers, Annie Rossi and Roz Wallace.

Due to limited production, Rossi-Wallace wines are only available online in 6 pack sets. The Pinot Noir comes from the Antinori Atlas Peak Vineyard in the Napa Valley and is reasonably priced ($28).