Christian LeSommer - Christian LeSommer, perhaps the preeminent winemaker in the world today, is making his mark in the Walla Walla valley. For the past two and a half years, he has been working with Chateau Rollat Winery on a series of Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The first, Rollat 2005, was released this summer. Edouard 2005 is scheduled to be released in December and Sophie 2006 will be released in late 2008 along with the 2006 vintages of Rollat and Edouard.

LeSommer is best known for his work as general manager and wine master at Chateau Latour during the 1980s and 1990s. Before joining Chateau Latour, he managed Vignobles Ducourt and Vignobles Henri Maire. Early in his wine making career, LeSommer was also assistant manager at the famed Sauternes maker, Chateau d’Yquem.

After leaving Latour, LeSommer began working as a consulting manager for Domaines des Barons de Rothschild (of Chateau Lafite fame.) He continues to manage their Los Vascos (Chile), Quinta do Carmo (Portugal), Caro (Argentina), and Rocca de Frassinello (Italy) programs.

LeSommer also consults for Le Pupille and Castellare di Castellina in Italy and three other wineries worldwide.