Erik Olsen comes to Clos du Bois with a truly remarkable resume. He earned a BS in Fermentation Science from UC Davis, an MS in Food Science from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of Washington, giving him that rare background of both technical and business training. And for almost two decades — with time out for a graduate research position at Cornell — he has crafted wine at some of the most prominent wineries in California and Washington, including Robert Mondavi, Simi and Chateau Ste. Michelle.

But even more impressive than his resume are his results. In the last ten years alone Erik has overseen an array of extraordinary wines, including more than 30 that scored 90 or better from Wine Spectator magazine.

At Washington's Chateau Ste. Michelle, where he served as head winemaker, his 2000 Single Berry Select Riesling scored an amazing 98 points, while his 1999 earned a 97. A 1999 Meritage rated 92. Erik also produced the highest ranked white wine in Wine Spectator's "2001 Top 100 Wines of the World."

Erik joined Clos du Bois in June 2003, and quickly made his mark on the winery's day-to-day winemaking activities, overseeing the winemaking, enology and quality control departments. Erik's first wines from "vine to bottle" are the 2003 vintages, which continue to receive outstanding ratings from the wine press.

"It's terrific to be back in Sonoma County," says Erik, "and I'm elated to be working with the first-class resources of one of America's great wineries."

Virtual Tastings
with Winemaker Erik Olsen.