Marty Winters & Alex Pitts

The Rorick Heritage Vineyard, owned by Matthew Rorick, is a breathtaking property located just outside of Murphys, California in Calaveras County. The property sits at a 2000 foot elevation and is comprised of steep hillsides of Blue Limestone and Schist soils. These own-rooted Chardonnay vines were planted in 1974 and the hallmark of this vineyard are tiny clusters and low yields. The wine was barrel fermented with its native yeasts and aged in neutral cask for 11 months. Four Puncheons and thirteen barrels were produced.

Rorick Chardonnay - 2019

More wattage than an electric eel: chalk, citron rind, wild clover honey. California, meet Chablis.

Considering the tight relationship between food and wine, it’s surprising how few chefs make the leap from kitchens to cellars. But on the rare occasion that it does happen, the results are about as amazing as you’d expect. Take Maître de Chai, founded in 2012 by longtime friends Marty Winters and Alex Pitts. After working in some of California’s top kitchens — including Cyrus, Quince, and the French Laundry — the two former chefs decided to trade in their Crocs for Blundstones and make a life in wine. Today, Alex and Marty are joined by their respective partners — Stephanie Pitts (all things web) and Jessica Force (creative director, tasting room) — who have helped grow Maître de Chai into one of the most dynamic indie wineries in California. Their calling card is an uncompromising commitment to sourcing only the highest quality, organically farmed fruit — a carryover from Alex and Marty’s ingredient-driven ethos as chefs.