2019 Covert Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label Coombsville Napa Valley

Welcome to Covert Estate, where Napa Valley’s best-kept secret is quietly crafting some of the most extraordinary wines you’ll ever taste. Hidden in the rolling hills of Coombsville, this boutique winery is more than just a vineyard—it’s a passion project, a love letter to terroir, and a masterclass in winemaking finesse.

Covert Estate doesn’t do things the usual way. Tucked beneath the earth, their winery is quite literally underground—integrated into the hillside in a way that respects the land while preserving the integrity of the winemaking process.

Their vines sit on a southeast-facing slope in Coombsville, Napa Valley’s coolest (both in temperature and reputation) sub-appellation. The volcanic soils, cobblestone-strewn loams, and misty marine influence create wines with impeccable balance, structure, and complexity. This unique environment fosters a long growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and develop remarkable depth of flavor.

Covert Estate is the result of three families coming together with a shared passion for great wine. Cal and Pam Nicholson, dedicated collectors and vintners; Dave and Laura Nestor, experienced wine enthusiasts with a keen eye for excellence; and Julien Fayard, a French winemaker with roots in Bordeaux and a deep appreciation for Napa Valley’s potential.

Renowned winemaker Julien Fayard uses his expertise to produce wines that express pure, terroir-driven specificities and characteristics. Julien gained his knowledge and defined his core winemaking style from working at grand Chateaux in France such as Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Lafitte.

Covert Estate takes sustainability seriously. The winery is Napa Green certified, integrating environmentally friendly practices at every level. Designed to blend into the landscape, the underground facility minimizes its footprint while maintaining energy efficiency. The vineyard is farmed biodynamically, ensuring that each vine thrives in harmony with the land..

Covert Estate specializes in 100% varietal wines that showcase the best of Coombsville. The wines are very limited, mostly allocated through an annual release.

2019 was a fabulous year for Napa Valley. Wine Spectator awarded this year a 97-point score, and Vinous Media gave it 96 points saying that "The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernets have turned out beautifully. 2019 is a very high-quality vintage of Cabernets that will be easy to drink and enjoy with minimal cellaring. The extra kick of late heat softened the tannins, making the wines a pleasure to taste and drink." 

Aging: 18-24 months in New French Oak barrels.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dynamic, textured and impeccably balanced, the 2019 vintage of the Covert Black Label Cabernet is an irresistible celebration of Coombsville. While it offers enjoyment for many more years, this fragrant, richly-fruited wine is already wonderfully silky and satisfying – the perfect bottle to open while your single-vineyard Covert Cabernets age in the cellar.

From the winery's 1.6ha east-facing estate vineyard. A richly scented nose of blackcurrants and black tea with toasty oak spice. Big, bold, unabashed and juicy with succulent black fruit flavours, chocolate smoothness, wild herbs, granular tannins and plenty of cooler Coombsville tension and precision. ~94 Decanter

This wine has ripe, succulent character with blackcurrants and blackberries in its profile, as well as some currant leaves, mint and dark chocolate. Hints of baking spices, too. Full-bodied and dry with chewy tannins, deep fruit and a long finish. Typical for Coombsville AVA. Try after 2022. ~93 James Suckling

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