The Family
Family owned and operated, Delmas is the realization of the Robertson's dream, 35+ years strong, to honor a distinctive place; a distinctive taste. Born of unique geology found within The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, as well as the climatic eccentricities of the Walla Walla Valley, Delmas is dedicated to producing exceptional wines of enduring value. Elegance is preferred to power and exoticism at Delmas; restraint, nuance, and those impossible-to-define, (pleasurable), qualities that elevate all great wines.
The name “Delmas” comes from Mary Delmas Robertson’s side of the family. In a tradition dating back many generations, the French family name “Delmas” is passed from one daughter to the next as a middle name. This legacy lives on through Steve and Mary’s daughter, Brooke Delmas Robertson.
Brooke adds depth via her technical expertise and fresh perspective, having spent several years in Napa Valley gaining viticultural, winemaking, and development experience.
Where It All Started
The family’s love of wine began in 1982 on a trip Steve and Mary took to Napa Valley.
In 1983, they returned to Napa Valley, purchasing a home between St. Helena and Calistoga on 10 acres without ever stepping foot inside the home and without the benefit of jobs at that time. They were smitten and ready for an adventure. Their eldest child, Brooke, was born three years later in 1986.
While in Napa Valley, Mary worked for Wilson-Daniels, an international wine brokerage firm with exclusive U.S. distribution rights to some of the world's most sought after wines – Domaine de la Romanee-Conti and Biondi-Santi as well as many highly regarded Napa Valley wineries.
During this time, the couple’s exposure to the wine industry and winemaking skyrocketed. They were able to get to know many of today’s well-respected leaders who were just getting started at that time and who remain pals today.
A Team is Assembled
We have been fortunate to assemble a formidable team of supportive professionals. The benefits this team brings are many...continuity of vision and consistency of purpose informs our process...permeating every aspect...discerning a distinctive wine.
Brooke Delmas Robertson | Director of Viticulture
Brooke spent five years in the Napa Valley, tending to the high expectations of iconic vineyards and wineries. Additionally, Brooke has worked in Australia for Torbreck, focusing on small lots of highly sought after Rhone-style wines. To finish her tenure in the Napa Valley she was Viticulturist for The Napa Valley Reserve.
She has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Oregon State University, an AAAS degree in Enology and Viticulture from Walla Walla Community College, and studied for a Masters degree in Viticulture at Cal Poly; San Luis Obispo.
In addition to heading up the direction at SJR Vineyard, Brooke further serves the Walla Walla Valley as Viticulturist for Les Collines Vineyard.
Stephen J. Robertson | Director of Winemaking
Steve leads business development, marketing, administration and finance for Delmas/SJR Vineyard. He is a seasoned executive with several decades of experience in real estate development and manufacturing. He combines business savvy with entrepreneurial creativity in every venture he directs.
Steve graduated from Walla Walla Community College’s Enology and Viticulture program in 2011 with an Associate Degree in Applied Arts and Sciences. Steve graduated from the University of Washington in 1974.
He has contributed to the strategic planning and engagement committees for the Oregon Wine Board.
Always with an eye on the bigger picture, Steve spearheaded the TTB petition of The Rocks District AVA, and serves on the Board of Rocks District Winegrowers.
Billo Naravane, MW | Consulting Winemaker
Delmas relies on the extraordinary talents of Billo Naravane as a valued member of the team. While Billo’s background in the computer industry prepared him well for the scientific aspects of winemaking, it is his artistic talents and passion for wine that intrigued the Robertson’s. In addition to being an accomplished musician, he received his B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from MIT and his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.
Billo finished his M.S. in Viticulture and Enology at U.C. Davis in June 2008. Most recently, he was invited to join the Institute of Masters of Wine; a major accomplishment. Rasa Vineyards is co-owned by Billo and his brother Pinto. He makes critically acclaimed wines for Rasa Vineyards; including an SJR Vineyard - designate Syrah named Veritas Sequitor. Billo is also mentoring Brooke on winemaking and working with our viticulture team.
rasavineyards.com
Serge Mouriesse | Grenache Consultant
Serge Mouriesse was born in Bordeaux, France. Since he was 18 years old he has pursued his passion for producing distinctive/elegant wine (wine that showcases balance from distinctive terroir). His formal education includes degrees from Bordeaux’s Institute of Enology and Business Administration from IAE Bordeaux.
In 1998, after years of working as a winemaker for many well-known wineries (in Bordeaux, in California and in Châteauneuf-du-Pape) he launched his oenological consulting company. Serge’s wine consultancy, based in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, supports 80 estates in the Southern Rhône Valley. He further provides laboratory services.
Grenache is his special gift!
Delmas has worked with Serge since 2017 for purposes of creating a third distinctive estate wine. In this regard, we are focused on our one (1) acre Grenache block and a little Cinsault (to be planted in 2019). The Grenache block will be 14 years old in 2020. Only then will Delmas harvest that block and vinify its first Grenache wine (with Serge’s critical contributions).
Serge, and his wife Brigitte, also own their own wine estate Mouriesse Vinum, in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: mouriesse-vinum.com
