Encore Career Results in Applause for Krys and Randy Wulff
The Wulffs had twenty plus years in non-wine related businesses before embarking on their “encore career” with Lobo Wines.
For Randy, it was twenty years as a trial lawyer followed by another twenty as a nationally recognized mediator. For example, he was selected to preside over and resolve in New York the record setting property damage claims at the World Trade Center arising from the tragedy of 9/11. Krys (pronounced “Chris”) spent over thirty years as a management consultant.
SO WHY MAKE WINE, AND WHY “LOBO”?
As Randy explained, “We are definitely doing this for love. I quickly learned that it’s more fun to crush grapes than to squeeze lawyers.
And when someone opens your wine and likes it, it’s just satisfying—much like we cooked dinner for appreciative guests.”
The winery name, Lobo, is Spanish for “wolf.” They chose the name to honor the Hispanic workforce in the Valley. Randy explains, “Without their skill and dedication, this Valley would grind to a halt.”
Krys is very involved in the wine blending. Randy says, “She has a great palate and, fortunately, she’s also terrific at marketing.” Krys oversees their mailing list, “The PACK,” and their wine club, “ALPHA.”
ABOUT THE WINES AND WINE TEAM
An early lesson for Randy was that you can make bad wine from good fruit, but you can’t make good wine from bad fruit, so fruit quality is paramount.
All Lobo wines are 100% sourced from their family vineyards in the Oak Knoll District and Atlas Peak AVA.
Lobo sells 75% of their fruit to other ultra-premium wineries like The Prisoner, Mumm and Lewis Cellars, however, they keep select rows or blocks for their own label. The Lobo wines are critically ac- claimed and consistently receive scores in the 90’s. Their newly released 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet is on the cover of the current Decanter magazine as the highest rated of almost 200 California Cabs reviewed. The product line includes a Rosé of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, a proprietary red blend of Syrah and Cab called “HOWL,” and two separate Cabernet Sauvignons— one from the valley floor and one from the rocky volcanic hillsides of Atlas Peak at 1300’ elevation.
The primary winemaker for Lobo is Victoria Coleman, a rising star who graduated from the UC Davis enology program and trained at Chateau Mouton Rothschild. She is now on her 11th vintage for Lobo.
The Lobo Chardonnay is custom made for Lobo by celebrated Napa winemaker, Randy Lewis.
Vineyard manager, Mario Bazan, with time under his belt at Robert Mondavi, planted the Wulff’s first vineyard 20 years ago and still works for Lobo.
All of the Lobo red wines are made at The Caves At Soda Canyon, which the Wulffs partly own. It is a fascinating 20,000 square foot network of Caves, avail- able by appointment for tours/tastings. Visitors frequently call it their “favorite stop.” The views overlooking Stag’s Leap and the valley are truly spectacular. Just like one critic once described a Lobo wine, it’s a “show-stopper.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.lobowines.com // info@lobowines.com //The Caves At Soda Canyon // 2275 Soda Canyon Road, Napa, CA
Article By: Eve Bushman
