Richard ("Ric") Forman is an American winemaker, vineyard manager, and consultant, who has made contributions to the rise of Napa Valley as one of the premier winemaking regions of the world. Details Forman is credited with introducing vintage-dated Merlot, and (along with Dick Graff) barrel fermentation of white wines, to California. Forman was long-time winermaker of Sterling Vineyards. After leaving Sterling he helped found Newton Vineyard. He was also instrumental in the founding of Duckhorn Vineyards. Later, he befriended rancher David Abreu, with whom he co-founded both Abreu Vineyards Management, a vineyard management company, and a winery, Abreu Vineyards. Forman is considered an expert in non-malolactic Chardonnay. References