Screagle's Charles Banks has left the building.

C_Bowman · April 9, 2009, 8:50pm

A Shake-Up at Screaming Eagle
Co-owner Charles Banks has left the cult Napa Cabernet winery and Jonata; his partner Stan Kroenke remains in charge

http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Features/0,1197,5000,00.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

larry_schaffer · April 9, 2009, 9:05pm

just saw this as well . . .

not really huge news except for the fact that Banks had been the ‘public persona’ for the labels and Kroenke had been behind the scenes . . . curious what this will mean for them PR-wise moving forward . . .

Cheers!

mike_pobega · April 9, 2009, 9:09pm

Could a ‘Cos’ deal be far behind…

Jack_Bulkin · April 9, 2009, 9:11pm

Wow Mr. Banks was very kind to send Jonata Wines down for two great dinners next Saturday and Sunday at my Culinary Festival.
http://www.scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

He was never scheduled to come, just Wine maker and Winery folks…

Roy_Piper · April 9, 2009, 11:51pm

Whoa baby! Pretty big news. Maybe he will buy Latour.

Jorge_Henriquez · April 10, 2009, 12:46am

Would you say Top 10 Roy?

AlexHay · April 10, 2009, 1:12am

Curious as to why. Does anyone know?

ToddFrench · April 10, 2009, 1:15am

I’m sort of shocked he states that it’s not easy to make money in wine - if a company getting $750/bottle for wine isn’t making money…

Jack_Bulkin · April 10, 2009, 1:34am

Best way known to turn a large fortune into a small fortune…

Eric_Anderson · April 10, 2009, 10:39pm

I tend to believe the subtext of the article - Stan Kronke likes to be in charge. Notice how Banks is still looking to stay in the wine biz.

Roy_Piper · April 11, 2009, 3:50am

Why not Monetelena???

John_D_Zuccarino · April 11, 2009, 4:35am

It’s very bad mojo after people who build a brand like they did part…something changes…it has to and usually for the worse…

R_Holmberg · April 14, 2009, 3:00pm

After buying the place for 30 mil, it is still tough to make money at 750 per when you only sell a couple thousand bottles.

Bill_Tex_Landreth · April 14, 2009, 3:06pm

But the brand cahce trickles down to Jonata, which should be making some serious cash since the vineyard land down south was nowhere near the prices of Napa Valley.

Al_Osterheld · April 15, 2009, 1:34pm

I doubt Jonata has turned a profit, yet. They bought nearly 600 acres in 2000, planted 80, and started selling wine about a year ago.

-Al

larry_schaffer · April 15, 2009, 2:57pm

Watch for a second label for Jonata to be released shortly - intended for restaurant only distribution as far as I know, but it will be poured and sold at the upcoming Elements SB Futures event on April 25th . . . Not sure if they intend to ‘advertise’ this as a second label or not, though . . .

Cheers!

Al_Osterheld · April 15, 2009, 3:55pm

To correct, Jonata started selling wine about 1.5 years ago. I’m not surprised to hear about the second label. I don’t think the Jonata brand is yet well enough established to sell the wine from 80 acres of fruit at the price point they have targeted.

-Al

Bill_Tex_Landreth · April 15, 2009, 4:09pm

Their pricing is agressive to be sure.

Jack_Bulkin · April 15, 2009, 5:54pm

I am drinking 6 of their current releases on Sat and Sunday. I will report.

AlexHay · April 17, 2009, 2:54am

Could this be the beginning of the end, i.e. Fonzie jumping the shark?