On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, we had the opportunity to interview Cole Ballentine. Cole is the co-winemaker, with his father William Ballentine Jr., at Predecessor Estate. Cole and his father-built Predecessor Estate to reunite the mountain with their ancestors who once farmed the area. We covered Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines from both the 2018 and the 2021 vintages. We also covered the Predecessor Estate reserve Cabernet Sauvignon named “Lorraine” from both the 2016 and the 2108 vintages. These are super-premium offerings; very little of each was made.
Before we get to the wines, I thought I would share some tidbits that Cole shared in the interview.
- Where did the winery name come from? It is a tribute to their Irish heritage and a nod to our ancestors who farmed Howell Mountain in an area they developed and named Deer Park.
- Tell us a little bit about your dad, William Ballentine Jr.?
- My dad took over winemaking role at St. Clement in 1998. He worked there until 2001. After leaving he became devoted to his own estate project and and worked on small consulting projects on the side.
- In 1999 he bought an old ghost winery across the street from where he grew up. That winery eventually became William Cole Vineyards.
- That old stone winery had its doors closed since prohibition. They enthusiastically began many years of renovation on the original 1873 stone building. The property was eventually marked as a historical landmark and the cellar doors were reopened in 2004. You can read about its history here.
Red Lake Vineyard
- 7 acres of the 41 total acres are planted to grapes on this stunning mountainside estate.
- It was planted in 2007, 2011, and 2015.
- Since Predecessor owns Red Lake, they can use that water to irrigate.
- That said, Predecessor is in the middle of an 8-year permit process with the county to get a “use permit” so they can build a winery on the mountain.
- They would like to offer a wine experience on site and show off the property.
- So where is your tasting room?
- A private tasting experience can be hosted at our sister property, William Cole Vineyards, in St. Helena.
- Who is or was Lorraine?
- She is a great aunt that was very influential to Cole’s dad.
- The “Lorraine” block produces about 2 barrels per year.
- It is ½ an acre and is very different.
- They had to jack hammer the rock to plant the vines.
- It is a labor intensive and strong-willed vineyard. Just like Aunt Lorraine!
- William and Cole make all the wines for both William Cole and Predecessor wine labels.
- All the Predecessor wines we covered are 100% varietal.
- They tend to pick later than most folks.
- All the wines from these two projects are DTC and club offerings.
- Cole went to school in Montana and Texas.
- His dad lured him back in the summer of 2015.
- He learned the winemaking trade mainly from his dad on the job. The old fashion apprentice way!
- There are two Podcasts interviews with Cole from this year that are definitely worth checking out for more details on the families history and their winery projects.
- The first is an interview with Ray Fister on his Life Between The Vines podcast in February 2025. It was this podcast that led me to Cole.
- Next up is a just released interview with Jim Duane on his Inside Winemaking podcast.
Below is a summary of the wine offerings from Predecessor Estate that we covered with Cole. The links below are to our full reviews. If you are interested in ordering and trying these super-premium wines, you will have to become a member. Allocation members receive first access to newly released, exclusive library, and barrel aged wines offered throughout the year. Learn more about becoming an allocation member. If you are interested in a specific vintage, please email us at info@predecessorestate.com.
- Predecessor 2021 Merlot “Red Lake Vineyard” (Howell Mountain) $250 27 cases (KWGTP 94)
- Predecessor 2018 Merlot “Red Lake Vineyard” (Howell Mountain) $290 30 cases (KWGTP 95)
- Predecessor 2021 Cabernet Franc “Red Lake Vineyard” (Howell Mountain) $250 58 cases (KWGTP 94)
- Predecessor 2018 Cabernet Franc “Red Lake Vineyard” (Howell Mountain) $290 60 cases (KWGTP 95)
- Predecessor 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon “Red Lake Vineyard” (Howell Mountain) $250 220 cases (KWGTP 95.5)
- Predecessor 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon “Red Lake Vineyard” (Howell Mountain) $290 213 cases (KWGTP 96)
- Predecessor 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon “Lorraine” (Howell Mountain) $430 30 cases (KWGTP 98)
- Predecessor 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon “Lorraine” (Howell Mountain) $460 44 cases (KWGTP 95.5)
You can find reviews of past and future Predecessor wines that we cover on the Predecessor KWG winery page on our website. We hope you enjoy these terrific wines as much as we did. Cheers! – Ken