There are some people who are in your life for a short time, but leave a mark that lasts for many vintages. Henry George Lubke IV was just such a person.

When Henrys mother Jean, the wife of our Maryland/Washington,DC distributor, sent me an email more than three years ago letting me know that her son to arrive the following week I was surprised for several reasons. First, I was not aware that we were getting any help for the 2006 harvest. Second, he had just turned 20. And third, it is rare to see such a formal name, especially on this coast. Maybe it was my feeling of being too California-casual, but I found myself wondering if I should address him as sir. Imagine my surprise when he and his father, Chip, showed up and Henry turned out to be not an old world aristocrat complete with cravat and dinner jacket, but a young man whose hair needed a cut and whose Wranglers needed a bit of a wash. This was the perfect man for job of harvest helper.

Henry had dreamed of being a winemaker since he was sixteen. How many of us find our passion before high school is over? Few. And even fewer people walk the straight road toward their dreams and aspirations. Henry did not have any qualms about leaving University after his freshman year to move to California and pursue the dream. He quickly won us over with his obvious passion, charm, intelligence and willingness to contribute in any way. Henry became a fixture at Chateau Felice and in the heart of every person who worked there.

After harvest was over, Henry continued on with us, working at the winery, tasting room, and helping with events whenever an extra hand was needed. Many of our wine club members remember the young kid with an amazing palate and broad knowledge of wine.

Shortly after the beginning of harvest in 2007, Henry did not show up to work one morning. That evening I received a call from Henrys father, I was in southern California on business and did not know he had not shown up to work that day. When Chip first told me that Henry had died I first thought it was Henry Wright, the owner of our Maryland distributor, which Chip represents. I was in shock and deeply saddened. In tears I  expressed my deep condolences, being a very healthy man I could not imagine that he had passed. Then Chip began to talk about Henrys roommates and that he was supposed to be checking in on my parents dog, Sketcher, that weekend. With a swift punch that knocked the wind went out of me, I made the connection that it was not an older healthy man that had passed, but a young vibrant person who was doing pump-overs in the rain while singing to country music two days before. We got off the phone relatively quickly and I called my parents in hysterics. Chip and I spoke again that evening, but I do not remember what we spoke about. The next day I was in a daze. Chip, Jean and Henrys brother and sister, Chase and Laura, flew into Oakland the next day; my flight came in about the same time and we drove up to the winery together.

After months of tests, Henrys family was told that he died of an undetected heart condition. He passed in his sleep.

Henry and Tom, our Cellarmaster made two barrels of Merlot in 2006. Just before bottling we decided to create Henrys Passion in honor of Henry and the passion he brought to his dream. We bottled 168 cases of Henrys Passion which was sold in the Baltimore area with proceeds going to the Henry George Lubke IV Scholarship Fund at his high school, Boys Latin. The wine sold out in weeks. This year we have expanded the program, bringing you the second vintage of Henrys Passion. Most of the wine went to the Maryland market, but Chateau Felice has kept 25 cases for the wine club and website. A portion of the proceeds will go to Henrys fund.

The Chateau Felice Family urges you to support Henrys dream by contributing to the dreams of the next generation.

Henry George Lubke IV | A Winemaker of Promise

Purchase 2007 Henrys Passion at the winery or these fine wine shops in Maryland:

Chateau Felice, call the tasting room for availability 707.836.9011

Calvert Wine & Spirits, Cockeysville MD, 410.771.3232

Cranbrook Liquors, Cockeysville MD, 410.666.8248

Mays Chapel Wine & Spirits, Lutherville MD, 410.308.2107

Graul's Wine & Spirits, Baltimore MD, 410.823.3500

The Wine Source, Baltimore MD, 410.467.7777

The Wine Merchant, Lutherville MD, 410.321.6500

Eddies of Roland Park, Baltimore MD, 410.377.8040

DiWine & Spirits, Pikesville MD, 410.848.9463

Bay Ridge Liquors, Annapolis MD, 410.268.1961

Wells Discount Liquors, Baltimore MD, 410.435.2700