In 2003, wine connoisseur and collector Martin Bloom saw the potential of introducing his friend Tom Scott to his winemaker friend, Bill Ballentine. He realized these two men shared an old fashioned, common sense approach to life that would result in an easy working relationship. Marty knew Bill's talent and success as a winemaker combined with Tom's hardworking approach to producing the best fruit possible would result in a wonderful wine. Bill joined Tom Scott Vineyard as Winemaker in 2003. Their first collaboration was the Barn Burner 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bill Ballentine is the third generation of his family to be involved in the production of wine in the Napa Valley. From his grandfathers, he inherited a natural talent for winemaking and a love for the vines and growing grapes.

Since 1992 Bill has honed his skills as a winemaker in the Napa Valley. In 1998 he became Winemaker for St. Clement Vineyards in St. Helena where he was able to enhance his Cabernet harvesting and blending techniques. Throughout the years, Bill has had the good fortune to work with many of the world's great winemakers, helping him develop and expand his winemaking expertise. His 1997 St. Clement Cabernet Sauvignon was rated #25 in the Wine Spectator's list of "The Best 100 Wines In The World." In 2001, Bill left St. Clement to become winemaker in his own winery at William Cole Vineyard.

In addition to making his own wine, Bill works with a few quality-driven wineries and growers in their production of world-class, handcrafted wines from the finest grapes in the valley.