First Stop: Scalon Cellars

Our first stop on day three was to one of our favorite wineries in Coombsville, Scalon Cellars. Located right next to the Caldwell Vineyard, Scalon Cellars started in 2010 by Jesus Espinoza and Cruz Calderon. Jesus has worked in the wine industry as a laborer for over 20 years. He is now co-owner of Scalon Cellars and Vineyard Manager at Caldwell Vineyard. Cruz meet Jesus during the time he was constructing the wine cave at Caldwell back in 2005. This year is a brand new chapter in the story of Scalon Cellars with the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Cabernet Franc and 2015 Syrah Rosé being made by their new winemaker, Julien Fayard. At the moment Julien also owns/makes/consults for Azur Wines, Empreinte Wines, Purlieu Wines, Covert Estate and many more throughout the valley. If you haven't tried these wines before take a look at the tasting notes on our blog, our new favorite here is their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon which will be released later in 2017.

Always one of our favorite estates to visit down and Coombsville and who is kidding, crazy good wines with the max price being $85.00. Check out our tasting notes here. We tasted through the following:

• 2015 Scalon Cellars Syrah Rosé
• 2013 Scalon Cellars Priority Red
• 2012 Scalon Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2013 Scalon Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2013 Scalon Cellars Cabernet Franc

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Where are they located? Email for address, located next to Caldwell Vineyard in Coombsville, CA.

Do you need an appointment? Yes, tastings and tours are by appointment only.

Who is their winemaker? Julien Fayard

Price Ranges: $$-$$$ - $30.00 to $85.00

Recommend: Highly recommended, especially since Julien has come on as winemaker. Quality per price is stunning!

Last Stop: Covert Estate

For our last stop on day three we decide to stay in Coombsville and visit another estate of Julien Fayard. Covert Estate was not an impulse decision, it took Julien and his partners a few years to find the perfect site to start their estate. They landed on this 12 acre site in Coombsville with already 4.5 acres planted in 2012. The estate was not completely finished until the wine cave was constructed in 2015 by Juancarlos Fernandez of Signum Architects. Their inaugural vintage was their 2012 bottling. Here they produce exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons that are built to age as well as a highly allocated Cabernet Franc (only 47 cases in 2013).

Kristi was a stunning host, giving us an amzing tour and tasted us through the following:

• 2014 Empreinte Wines Sauvignon Blanc Heritage
• 2012 Covert Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2013 Covert Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2013 Covert Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 341
• 2013 Covert Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Sage
• 2014 Empreinte Grenache Heritage.

  Excellent wines that need time and are built for it! Check out our tasting notes of the here. .

Covert Estate

Where are they located? 15 Chateau Lane, Napa, CA 94558.

Do you need an appointment? Yes, tastings and tours are by appointment only.

Who is their winemaker? Julien Fayard

Price Ranges: $$$-$$$$$ - $75.00 to $250.00

Recommend: Highly recommended, super high quality wines by Julien!