Philippe Bascaules to Remain Inglenook's Director of Winemaking

With his adventurous and innovative approach to winemaking and focus on long-term vineyard management, Bascaules has undertaken the replanting of several vineyards and is currently designing a new winemaking facility, all as part of a 50-year plan he developed for Coppola and his wife, Eleanor, when he arrived at Inglenook five years ago.  He will continue to lead these projects.

"I am pleased that I can continue to oversee the winemaking at Inglenook and guide the changes I started there five years ago. Inglenook's terroir is exceptional and I am very grateful to Francis Ford Coppola for continuing our collaboration," said Bascaules.  

Bascaules has remarkably changed the style of Inglenook's wines in pursuit of his and the Coppolas' commitment to restore Inglenook's legacy of excellence.  In particular, Inglenook's Rubicon and Cask Cabernet Sauvignons have received critical acclaim for their fresher, more elegant style. 

"Philippe's devotion to Inglenook has created a winery that we can pass on to our children and their children," said Francis Ford Coppola.  "Château Margaux is Philippe's alma mater, so it is logical and understandable to us that Philippe would be called upon to return there after the untimely passing of the wonderful Paul Pontallier.  When Philippe was presented with the opportunity to return to Château Margaux, we were thrilled that he wished to continue working on both sides of the ocean."

About Inglenook
Founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum as Napa's first estate winery, Inglenook boasts an illustrious heritage, a renowned legacy of innovation and an outstanding portfolio of award-winning wines that have defined and established Napa as a world-class wine region. From Gustave Niebaum to John Daniel, Jr. to Francis Ford Coppola, Inglenook's three principal stewards have shared a strong sense of vision and an unwavering passion to create a wine estate that hearkens back to the European tradition, producing original, distinctly Napa wines that rival the best in Europe.  It remains the largest contiguous estate on the famed Rutherford Bench, Napa Valley's finest area for producing spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon.

The iconic Inglenook chateau was first constructed in 1887, and faithfully restored in 1997.  Befitting the grandeur of the Inglenook estate, the chateau welcomes guests for seated tastings and special events.  Experiences include tours of the Chateau, the Infinity caves, the vineyards, barrel tastings and culinary offerings under the direction of Winery Chef Alex Lovick who expertly pairs the wines with the seasonal, organic bounty of the expansive estate farm and orchards. 

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SOURCE Inglenook