Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/580744
{ SOMMjournal.com } 93 completely restored, and three wines were released under the new label: a 1990 White Meritage, a 1990 Red Meritage and a 1989 Zinfandel. Traverso stayed for ten years before selling his interest in Murrieta's Well to the Wentes, but he remained on the winemaking team and helped with the artful process of blending the property's many varietals for each vintage. It was a process that Karl Wente says shaped him as a vintner. "Sergio was incredibly influential in my winemaking development. Sitting in on the blending sessions with Sergio and Phil was the best education a young guy like me could ever have." Over the last few years, Wente has made important personnel changes at Murrieta's Well. He's working with a new winemaker, Robbie Meyer, and a new con- sulting winemaker, Sam Spencer. "Robbie was my first boss in the industry. He was at Peter Michael Winery, Lewis Cellars and developed his own brand. He has a few 96-point wines and lots of 93s. He's a solid, down-to-earth winemaker. He's the one that now drives the Murrieta's Well ship and leverages the potential of the wonderful vineyards that we have." Spencer was Director of Winegrowing for Cameron Hughes Wine and co- founded Spencer Roloson Winery, an innovator in Californian Bordelais, Rhône and Iberian varietals. He works with Wente on his family's entire portfolio of wines. "Sam has an awesome palate. He's a person that really knows the ins and outs of grape-growing, and he's one of my pri- mary counselors in everything I do." As he talked about his staff, Wente reiterated his favorite theme: His winery's greatest asset is the wealth of experience among those who care for it. "We're not looking to source from out- side. This land has been ours for a long time, so we know how the grapes grow. We know everything about them. I'm just a lucky ben- eficiary of all that knowledge." Murrieta's Well The Whip and The Spur pay homage to Livermore Valley's ranching heritage. The Murrieta's Well winery. PHOTO COURTESY OF WENTE FAMILY ESTATES