If you were to predict future NAPA/Sonoma/CA Wine Champions..who would they be?

[Kcwhippet]

Not sure I'd pick Joel Gott. He's more of an entrepreneur than a dedicated winemaker. He (and his brother and/or others in his family) own the Palisades Market in Calistoga, Taylor's Refresher in St. Helena and SF, a car wash and an export company. Gott Wines is owned by he and his wife Sarah. She's the winemaker for Quintessa, and previously was the winemaker for Joseph Phelps (think Insignia), and I know she's very involved in the winemaking at Gott. He has others in his family involved in wine, as well. His mother founded Montevina, and his father founded Corbett Canyon before becoming CEO of Sterling. So, he's got the background and the support, but he's more of a deal maker (Three Thieves) and a businessman.

To add to ww's choices, I have to add Lewelling, and Bressler for Napa Valley CS. Then too, there are the guys making all that Central Coast Pinot that Bucko just doesn't go for - Brian Loring (Loring Wine Company), Kris Curran (Sea Smoke), Adam Lee (Siduri, and ROAR for Gary Francesconi), Eric Sussman (Radio-Coteau) and more. I also like the Syrahs from Red Car, Novy (owned by Dianna Lee's family and made mostly by Adam Lee) and Bonaccorsi (though Michael Bonaccorsi died last year so I don't know what direction the wines are going). Way too many!