A brief history
Covert Estate is the result of the collaboration and hard work of three families dedicated to the craft of winemaking: Cal and Pam Nicholson, library wine collectors and vintners in Napa Valley; Dave and Laura Nestor, obsessive and extensive California wine collectors, equine hunters/jumpers, and management gurus; and Julien Fayard, French winemaker and Californian wine lover with a legacy of making wine in both France and Napa Valley, using traditional techniques to create wine filled with finesse and a sense of place.
Covert Estate is located in Napa Valley on the eastern hills of the Vaca Mountain Range in the Coombsville AVA. Mostly composed of solid volcanic ash from Mt. George, the topsoil of this AVA is barely existent. The sub-soil contains cobblestone strewn layers of rich loams between volcanic rocks. These particular layers drain easily while the ash sub-soils hold water, which the vines can access as the dry growing season progresses. Due to Covert Estate’s proximity to San Pablo Bay, a cool layer of fog covers the vineyards. Daily temperatures can be as much as ten degrees cooler during the hot months, creating an ideal growing climate. The vines bud early and the grapes tend to be harvested later, making for a long and slow ripening period. All of this leads to incredible structure, complexity, and balance of the wine.
Using traditional Bordeaux winemaking techniques adapted to the site, Julien strikes a balance of both French and California winemaking culture. The winemaking for the Grand Crus of Bordeaux has been established by many generations of winemakers. Julien carries that philosophy, experience, and tradition with him into the cellar to capture the best of what the fruit has to offer.