An imposing lineup.

2012 Covenant Chardonnay Lavan, Sonoma Mountain, CA: Retail $42 on release. Single vineyard (Scopus) on Sonoma mountain. Lavan means white in Hebrew. Sustainably farmed. Probably all Dijon clone four, aged in French oak, 20% new. Holding up exceedingly well for a decade-old Chard. Yellow, near golden in color with a honeyed lemon nose.  Rich palate with Meyer lemon, a bit of white spice, and a lengthy finish. Lovely. Outstanding. 93 Points. 

2021 Covenant Solomon Sauvignon Blanc, Bennett Valley, Sonoma County, CA: Retail $75. Jeff called this a “Faux Brion” (a pun on the famous Bordeaux white, which usually goes for around $1,000). 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Fermented in French oak up to 50% new, about 150 cases made. Sweet candied nose of peach and pear. Tart and round on the palate with really nice fruit. Quite long. Excellent. 92 Points.

2021 Covenant Blanc de Blancs, California: Retail $38. 100% Chardonnay from Mettler in Lodi. As many reading this know, I am a bit of a bubbles snob, but I tried to keep an open mind on this infused (i.e., the carbonation is injected into the wine), California appellated wine. Bright and oaky with lemon and pear on the nose. On the palate, quite rich with plenty of tartness to match the fruit. Long, dry finish. Excellent. 90 Points.

2021 Covenant Landsman Pinot Noir, Carneros, CA: Retail $45. From the La Brisas Vineyard on the Sonoma side of Carneros. Clones: mostly Swan and 667. Both clones were picked on the same day and cofermented. Up to 50% new French oak. Brilliant cherry and spice on the nose of this medium ruby, nearly translucent wine. The palate is balanced, fruity, earthy, and spicy. A lengthy finish with quite subtle tannins. Excellent. 92 Points.

As a special treat, Jeff popped open this beauty:

2010 Covenant Solomon Lot 70, Napa Valley, CA: Retail $200 (was $120 in 2010). 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. From partner Leslie Rudd’s Oakville and Mount Veeder Vineyards. Whoa. Black and red fruit with a bit of mocha. I could smell this for days. The palate is even better. Whoa. Rich, layered deep. Fruit and spice. Yowza. Extraordinary. 97 Points.