Just as bud break was appearing on vines  across Napa Valley, we had the pleasure of visiting our friends in the heart of Coombsville at Covert Estate.   A beautiful retreat hidden on a south-eastern slope, the soil benefits from cooler temperatures thanks to a layer of fog from the San Pablo bay. We enjoyed a sampling of their stellar line up in the tasting room 'cave'. The interior of which boasts an impressive chandelier that pays homage to the history of the three families that came together to form the Estate. This collaboration between the Nicholson family, the Nestor family and winemaker Julien Fayard is reflected in the incredible wines we tasted. Thank you Covert! 

Welcome to the New Year! It's the first issue of 2023, and the word of the day is...RAIN! We're getting lot's of it! Members, there's an online version of the Notes in your account. Cheers to you!

This was an especially sentimental visit for us, having known Shirley and Charles since they started their winery in 1999. The couple have always worked so tirelessly to craft world-class wines and engage Napa Valley’s most sought-after winemaking consultants.  Planting the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot fruit in the blessed terroir of the sprawling 17-acre site they strived to make wine worthy of the Grands Crus de Napa Valley designation.

It’s a new day for the property, which survived Charles’ passing, and the 2017 fires which destroyed Shirley’s home. The proprietors Stephany Maillery and Stephan Crétier serve as stewards of the land, positioned at the cooler southern end of Napa just south of the renowned Stag’s Leap District.  Along with the team at Roy they set the highest expectations for themselves, the awareness and appreciation of the land is apparent in everything they do, which we love them for! The meticulous care and guidance of renowned winemaker Philippe Melka is praised by Shirley for his attention to detail and thorough understanding of the winemaking process.  Melka aims to minimize the technique and focus directly on the land and its unique qualities, showing the site through the wine and respecting the grapes. These are just some of the many reasons the Roy Estate is a celebrated and cherished part of the VC family!

We are so excited about their new building, which is gorgeous and the perfect compliment to the wines and the terroir. Here’s to a new era at Roy.

"Hanging out with Philippe Melka at Tench Estate, next to Screaming Eagle. Harvest is finally winding down! Philippe was tasting the progress of various wines in different barrels such as the Tusk 2022 wines, absolutely delicious by the way! The most successful varietal of the 2022 vintage seems to be the Petit Verdot, which weathered the heat spiked very well!" ---Garret Murphy

2022's last issue of the ClubNotes! Members, if you are looking for the fu ll version, you'll find it in your account under Our Wines/Club Member Tasting Notes.

"I followed Don Surh around at Cuvaison winery while he was working on the Las Bonitas fruit, sorting through all the berries and with the help of an optical sorter getting rid of imperfections, stems and leaves etc… then we proceeded to taste samples in the tanks and barrels, very hard work indeed!" ---Garret Murphy

Hot off the presses, our September | October ClubNotes! Members, if you are looking for the fu ll version, you'll find it in your account under Our Wines/Club Member Tasting Notes.