Last updated on August 16th, 2012 at 10:17 am
John Clews, COO and head winemaker at Clos Du Val Winery, has promoted Kristy Melton from assistant winemaker to winemaker at the Napa Valley winery.
Melton, who was hired by the winery in 2010 to assist John in ongoing the enological modernization of Clos Du Val winemaking techniques and wine style, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Clos Du Val’s passion for producing wines of balance, elegance and complexity, according to a news release.
In addition to continuing to assist in the overall evolution of Clos Du Val, Melton’s primary role will be to oversee the winery’s limited “Winemaker Signature Series,” the new line of winery-exclusive wines crafted from specific vineyard blocks, varietals and proprietary blends launched in 2010 as well as new, luxury-tier wines.
“In her time at Clos Du Val, Kristy has demonstrated a unique and compelling ability to add extraordinary nuance to our wines while remaining focused on our stylistic integrity,” Clews says. “We have never been a winery to rest our on laurels and we look forward to Kristy’s ongoing contribution to the evolution of our winery practices and the wines.”
Melton will continue to report to Clews in his role as head winemaker in charge of Clos Du Val’s Classic and Stags Leap District Tiers, with Carneros Pinot Noir and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
“I am honored to work with John in the evolution of our wines and doing so in recognition and in honor of our historic perspective,” Melton says. “We’ve been making extraordinary wines for 40 years, I am thrilled to help continue and influence that tradition.”
In addition, Melton will be on the road this year as part Clos Du Val’s “Big 4-0 Ten City Tour” and various other celebrations.
