James L. Barrett (November 8, 1926 – March 14, 2013) was an American businessman and the owner of Chateau Montelena which won the Chardonnay competition of the 1976 Judgment of Paris wine tasting.
He spent his early years selling newspapers in Los Angeles before entering the United States Navy during World War II.
[3] Barrett first purchased Chateau Montelena winery with Ernie Hahn in 1972 from Lee Paschich, retaining him as a general manager, and hired Mike Grgich to be his winemaker.
Barrett uprooted the Chasselas, Alicante Bouschet, and Carignane that had been previously planted and replanted his acres with premium Cabernet Sauvignon.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Judy; his children from a previous marriage, Stephanie, Bo Barrett, Michael, Kevin and Gabriela; and five grandchildren.