The revolving door has had quite a workout lately at West Coast wineries, with Joseph Phelps Vineyards stalwarts Tom Shelton and Craig Williams leaving the Napa Valley winery unceremoniously, Domaine Serene winemaker Tony Rynders departing the high-end Oregon producer to make his own wines, and Hanzell Vineyards winemaker Michael Terrien dropping down to a consultant role at the pioneering Sonoma Valley producer.
After 32 vintages as winemaker and chief architect of the consistently fine Joseph Phelps Insignia Bordeaux-style blend, Williams resigned from the winery this month, joined by Shelton, the company president since 1995. As limited partners, they reportedly...