A winery focusing on the Quintessence Vineyard on Red Mountain, Covale Cellars is a brand new outpost founded by former Quilceda Creek assistant winemaker Marv Crum and his wife, Susan. Following a short retirement, Marv returned to winemaking back in 2017 after a close group of friends encouraged him to make a barrel of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Grapes were fermented in fruit bins, in their garage and then aged in new French Oak barrels. The resultant wine was extremely well-made considering the challenges of the 2020 vintage. Both of these wines are immediately gratifying and should be consumed over the next few years. They are rich, viscous wines that beautifully showcase this site on Red Mountain. Learn more at https://www.covalecellars.wine/ and here are my reviews of the new 2020 Covale Cellars wines.
2020 Covale Cellars Cabernet Franc- This outstanding Cabernet Franc comes from the Quintessence Vineyard on Red Mountain. The wine has only 3% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in, as it offers ripe black plum, cigar box, dark currants, creosote and creme de violette notes on the palate. This is very refined wine, with soft tannins, that is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2028- 92
2020 Covale Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from Red Mountain, the 2020 Covale Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon has 3% Cabernet Franc blended in. Inky in the glass, this unveils heady black cherry cordial, black licorice, tar and garrigue notes on the palate. The bright acidity and viscosity of the wine really drive this, as this is already beautifully evolved. Drink 2023-2027- 92