Davis Bynum was a legend in the creation of the Russian River Valley as a dominant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producing region. He was a Pioneer. And then there is his protege. Greg Morthole worked as Davis’s right-hand man for years, and eventually took over as lead winemaker, and it’s no wonder why Davis wanted to keep him around. A conversation with Greg will leave you curious about the world around you. His knowledge of the soil under your feet, the history around you, the understanding of weather and its influence will make you look at the world a bit differently. My job was to capture that essence.
Direction: Capture Greg in his element, the stewardship of what was left by Davis, the personality he portrays and the connection to the vineyards.
Color: soft palate. low contrast, bright yellows and neutral greens.