(NVR) - A car crash in Yountville has claimed the life of Upvalley winemaker Denis Malbec, relatives and friends have confirmed.

The 46-year-old Malbec, who with his wife, May-Britt, founded the Notre Vin winery in St. Helena, was at the wheel of a 2016 Mercedes-Benz shortly after midnight Saturday morning when it went off Washington Street near Highway 29, broke through a fence and struck several trees, according to authorities. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His passenger, Josh Phelps, a 30-year-old winemaker, was riding with him after the two had dined at the Press Restaurant in St. Helena, according to Andre Boada, Malbec’s friend and former colleague. The California Highway Patrol reported that Phelps, of the Taken Wine Co. in St. Helena, was taken to Queen of the Valley Medical Center for evaluation, but had no reported injuries.

Malbec’s death was confirmed Sunday by May-Britt Malbec and Boada.

The cause of the fatal crash remained unclear on Sunday. Attempts to contact the CHP were unsuccessful.