Covert Estate 2018 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon

The landmark 2018 vintage delivers rich, sleek Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in its full glory. The nose offers blackcurrant aromas with notes of damp earth, wild myrtle and a hint of volcanic minerality. On the palate, these aromatics expand into black and purple berries, black raspberries with boysenberries and black cherries, with warm notes of cedar and tobacco. On the finish is sweet clove, blackberries and fresh brown sugar.

Featured Winery: Covert Estate Wine

Covert Estate uses traditional Bordeaux winemaking techniques combined with Californian creativity. Tucked away on a steep hillside in the heart of Coombsville, Napa Valley, Covert Estate is a unique terroir perfect for winemaking.

The team harvests by hand in the cool early mornings and sends the grapes through two rounds of rigorous sorting—first as whole clusters, then again as de-stemmed individual berries. After cold maceration, the fruit is fermented by naturally occurring wild yeasts for three to four weeks. Once this initial fermentation is complete, they gently crush the grapes with a vertical press directly into barrels for a secondary malolactic fermentation. The wine then spends 18-26 months in barrel, as needed for each vintage. They rack at most twice per year, and bottle without fining or filtration.

Covert Estate 2018 Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful, opening with a rich nose of black and blue fruits, wild berry compote and mineral-rich volcanic rock. The palate builds from a core of ripe cherries, huckleberries and bright cassis, expanding to aromatic layers of warm cedar and sweet black licorice. Smooth, well-knit tannins and abundant sun-kissed fruit sustain a lengthy finish of ripe boysenberries and a refreshing lift of clove.

Andis Painted Fields Curse of Knowledge

The intense ruby color and a sensational bouquet of dried violet, black cherry, fresh herbs, and cocoa powder will catch your attention. A balanced mid-palate, generous, and round due to the velvety tannins with a lingering finish of dark berries and black licorice. 

Production Notes

77% Cabernet Sauvignon - Andis Estate, Rancho Victoria, Brice Station 13% Cabernet Franc - Hawk Creek, Brice Station, Salman Farms 7% Merlot - Miraflores 3% Petite Verdot - Bokisch Vineyard

Featured Winemaker: Julien Fayard

Julien Fayard is a French winemaker, earning his reputation as a visionary who combines time-honored techniques with a fresh perspective to create wines that resonate with both connoisseurs and wine newcomers.

Born and raised in France, Julien's journey in the world of wine began at an early age. Growing up in the heart of Bordeaux, he was immersed in a culture that revered wine as an integral part of life. This upbringing sparked his curiosity and ignited his passion for winemaking. He pursued his studies at some of the most prestigious institutions, including the University of Bordeaux, where he honed his expertise in viticulture and enology.

Arriving in Napa Valley, Julien was captivated by the region's potential to create world-class wines. His ability to combine his French heritage with the innovation and experimentation inherent in the California wine scene set the stage for his remarkable career.

Julien's winemaking philosophy revolves around crafting wines that are an expression of the vineyard territory. He places a strong emphasis on sustainable and organic practices, recognizing that healthy vines result in exceptional grapes.

Julien officially began is winemaking career producing quality rosé, then went to Bordeaux, where he worked at Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Laffite. He later relocated to Napa Valley, where he served as Philippe Melka’s director of winemaking before launching his own projects. Now, with over two decades of winemaking expertise, Julien is one of Napa Valley’s most sought-after consulting winemakers, producing wines with California power and French finesse.

Featured Wine: Peake Ranch Chardonnay

Peake Ranch's Santa Barbara County Chardonnay integrates the two coldest AVAs in Santa Barbara, those being the Sta. Rita Hills (sourced from Peake Ranch Vineyard) and Santa Maria Valley (sourced from Sierra Madre Vineyard).  This very expressive wine exudes fresh notes of citrus blossom, white pineapple, crème brulé, with delicate expressions of stone fruits, dried flowers, and lemongrass. Nice acidity up front, slight grip, and a long finish with subtle weight on the palate.

96 points Jeb Dunnuck

“Straight-up gorgeous notes of ripe peach, caramelized apple, flower oil, brioche, and spice all emerge from the 2020 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County, a brilliantly textured, medium to full-bodied Chardonnay with terrific balance as well as length. It reminds me of some of the great Chardonnays coming out of the Russian River Valley with its opulence and richness.” - JD

Featured Winery: Maison Marcel

Maison Marcel produces quality wines that truly capture the essence of French winemaking and traditions.

They consider themselves much more than a wine brand - but celebration of love, laughter, and happily ever afters. Maison Marcel's founder was inspired by the epic love story of his grandparents, Marcel and Helene, and continue to carry on their legacy with every bottle produced.

Maison Marcel vineyards are located in the sun-drenched south of France, where they infuse each bottle with a blend of tradition and playfulness. The wines capture the essence of the region, with flavors that are perfect for every occasion, from casual gatherings to romantic dates.

Carrying four signature wines, including Marcel Hearts, Sparkling Hearts, Ocean Bound and French Velvet.

Featured Wine: Maison Marcel Sparkling Hearts Rosé

Experience the finesse of Maison Marcel's new Sparkling Rosé Heart Edition. With delicate notes of white peach and nectarine, this "Cuvée Provence" showcases a beautiful rose gold color.

Notes: Grapefruit, Nectarine

Grapes: Muscat, Aligoté

New Brand: Andis Wines

As an avid wine enthusiast and Napa frequenter, Andis Wines founder to Janis Akuna discovered the Sierra Foothills, where the soil and microclimates are capable of growing a vast selection of varietals, including grapes traditionally considered obscure to California. 

In 2009, Janis and her husband, Andy Friedlander, found their own stretch of land to replant portions of the vineyard originally planted in the 1970s, while seeking out the highest quality vineyards to buy additional fruit. Working closely with Sage Architecture and Sunseri Construction, they built a state of the art winemaking facility with two tenets; design a sustainable winery to produce world class wines that is attractive, but different from all others. 

Janis left her job for a new career in winemaking, following the hire of Lorenzo Muslia in 2014, who eventually became National Sales Manager, as well as a partner for Andis - joining partner, Jenae Plasse. Within those formative years, they contracted with renowned wine consultant Philippe Melka, who helped ensure the quality of wines met Lorenzo’s standards and liking. Later, fellow visionary Mark Fowler joined the team as Estate Winemaker.

All are a driving force behind Janis’ vision -  to handcraft world class wines that celebrate the pure expression of its soil.

Featured Winery: Spagnol

Spagnol is a prominent winery located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. With a rich history dating back to 1926, Spagnol has established itself as a respected producer of high-quality wines, particularly Prosecco.

The winery is situated in the heart of the Prosecco production zone, benefiting from the region's favorable climate and exceptional vineyard sites. The Spagnol family's commitment to traditional winemaking practices, combined with modern techniques, results in wines that exemplify the unique character of the region.

Spagnol offers a wide range of Prosecco wines, crafted from the Glera grape variety, along with other indigenous grapes. The winery is known for its attention to detail throughout the winemaking process - from vineyard management to harvesting and fermentation. 

Spagnol’s Prosecco gives notes of crisp green apple, citrus, and floral notes, accompanied by delicate bubbles and a balanced acidity. In addition to Prosecco, Spagnol also produces reds, whites, and rosés. 

Featured Winemaker: Benoit Touquette

Benoit Touquette is one of the most accomplished winemakers in the industry. Originally from Bordeaux, France, Benoit honed his winemaking skills through his studies in viticulture and enology. After working in wine regions like Australia and California, he began his Napa Valley winemaking career at Screaming Eagle, where he played a pivotal role in developing their iconic wines. 

Benoit began Teeter-Totter in 2011 where he collaborates with other wineries and vineyards including Realm Cellars, Hartwell Vineyards, Kata and Fait-Main, which he co-founded with his wife, Julianne. Fait-Main, meaning "handmade" in French, is a boutique winery dedicated to producing small-lot, handcrafted wines that showcase the unique terroir of Napa Valley. 

Throughout his career, Touquette's winemaking style has been characterized by his meticulous attention to detail, his ability to capture the essence of the vineyard, and his unwavering pursuit of excellence. His wines are known for their elegance, complexity, and balance, reflecting his profound understanding of vineyard management and his intuitive winemaking approach.

Teeter-Totter Chardonnay

With grapes packed full of flavor, Teeter-Totter’s 2021 Chardonnay maintains the same characteristics the wine has been known for: pure, powerful, bright fruit paired with toast, honey, and brioche – and adds new layers of lemon, apricot, white peach and stunning minerality. The full-bodied palate rolls into a smooth, lingering finish that keeps you coming back for more. 

Featured Wine: Senses Pinot Noir

The Pinot Noir from Senes Wines showcases the delicate balance between fruit, earth, and spice. Aromas offer notes of ripe red berries, cherries, and subtle floral. On the palate, the wine reveals layers of vibrant fruit flavors, complemented undertones of forest floor, baking spices, and vanilla.

Senses Wines is a boutique winery rooted in craftsmanship and a deep respect for the land. Sourcing grapes from carefully selected vineyards across California, Senses Wines aims to showcase the purest expression of each grape variety.

Featured Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown

Thomas Rivers Brown is a visionary winemaker based in Napa, California. His love affair with winemaking began in his early twenties while studying political science at the University of California, Berkeley. After taking a job at a wine shop, he was immediately captivated, and his passion for wine developed into a career. 

Brown started out by working under Ehren Jordan at Turley Wine Cellars, and eventually began his winemaking career at Schrader Cellars, where became known for developing critically-acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

In 2022 he established his own label, Rivers-Marie, where he crafts Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the region’s most prestigious vineyards. He additionally collaborates with other producers including Schrader, Outpost and Maybach. 

Featured Wine: 2021 Olema Pinot Noir

The 2021 Olema Pinot Noir, made by Amici Cellars, is a smooth and aromatic Pinot Noir showcasing the best of Sonoma County winemaking from an excellent vintage. A blend of Pinot Noir grapes from premier vineyards in the widely acclaimed Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations, the wine features classic Pinot Noir characteristics of perfumed aromas and bright, focused red fruit flavors, framed by delicate tannins.

WINEMAKING NOTES

The 2021 Olema Pinot Noir opens with aromas of ripe cherry, candied red apple and mulling spices. The palate is full of depth and balance, with black raspberry and strawberry notes leading into the silky-smooth finish.

VINTAGE NOTES

The 2021 harvest will be remembered as a harvest of rebirth and of achievement for Olema Wines. The warmer, drier winter pushed bud break earlier than usual and was followed by a dry but steady summer growing season. Harvest began in mid-August and continued steadily before ramping up in September as the heat rose across the valley. Drought conditions throughout California led to lighter crop yields; however, they still experienced an exceptional quality of fruit and resulting wine in the 2021 Olema Pinot Noir.

92 Pts. - JAMES SUCKLING
“A bright and crisp pinot with strawberries, flowers and hints of citrus. Medium body. Framed acidity. Consistent pinot character. Drink now.”

Featured Wine: La Pelle Sauvignon Blanc

The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc from La Pelle was made in such small quantities that it remains difficult to find! Delicate and quenching, the acidity lifts a core of oyster shell, white peach and stone. The flavors range from zesty grapefruit and tangy lemon to juicy pineapple and ripe melon, providing a combination of fruit and acidity.

La Pelle sources its grapes from carefully selected vineyards, seeking out regions known for producing exceptional Sauvignon Blanc.

Featured Winery: Fulldraw Vineyards

Fulldraw began in 2012 when Connor McMahon jumped on the opportunity to acquire a 100-acre vineyard site in the Templeton Gap of west side Paso Robles. Connor and his wife Rebecca work closely with crew members to follow organic and regenerative farming practices in order to best take advantage of the site’s demanding soil and extreme exposures.

Fulldraw creates a sustainable and healthy environment for each and every vine in order for the resulting fruit to translate into beautifully balanced wines that fully express the unique place that is their home.

Featured Wine: Purlieu Le Pich Sauvignon Blanc

Purlieu’s 2022 Le Pich Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of tangy passion fruit and creamy guava, enriched with dried pineapple and a subtle minerality. Juicy nectarine, sweet key lime and the warmth of dried ginger shine on the palate, with cool stony undertones to ground them.

Purlieu Winery is a boutique winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California. Founded by winemaker Julien Fayard and his business partner, Lynette Fayard, Purlieu Winery focuses on crafting small-lot, premium wines that exemplify the unique characteristics of Napa Valley's renowned vineyards.

Featured Wine: Hunter Glenn Chardonnay

The 2019 Hunter Glenn Chardonnay has subtle aromas of apple blossoms, lemon balm and wet stones. On the palate are a glazing of Meyer lemon curd, which fades through to a Pink Lady apple slice and spritz of Elderflower cordial.

The 2020 vintage features blooms of Meyer lemon olive oil cake, and as it settles in the glass, a spiced Golden Delicious apple pie arrives. Flavors of bright, almost ripe pineapple shines first, backed by the distinct taste of Sicilian Almonds, Jasmine Tea and the perfect amount of flinty minerality.

Featured Wine: Fulldraw Vineyards Chopping Block

Pop and pour, Fulldraw Vineyard’s 2019 Chopping Block is well-rounded and balanced. The structure and flavor profile will only get better with air or a little time. This wine will not disappoint!

49% Syrah; 34% Grenache; 17% Mourvedre