July 26, 2016 – Just a year after its purchase by Gallo, Talbott Vineyards has named David Coventry its new winemaker. He will replace current winemaker of record Dan Karlsen at the beginning of August. This appointment reaffirms Gallo’s commitment to the Santa Lucia Highlands region and to the new jewel in its crown, the Talbott brand.
Given the fact that Karlsen and Coventry worked together at Chalone in the pre-Diageo days, the transition makes good sense, as they share common winemaking philosophies. Karlsen has been focusing on his own brand, Chock Rock, while enjoying his growing family and a bit of travel.
Coventry will once again be working with the legendary Cellar Master, Rolando Michel, known as the “Earl of Talbott.” Karlsen brought Michel from Chalone to Talbott in 2008. Both have critical local experience and appreciation for the unique SLH terroir.
And just in time for harvest, too.
David Coventry (formerly of Morgan, De Tierra, Puma Road), presently consults with Blair, Boete, Leal, Manzoni and Silvestri. He recently opened his own custom crush facility to help small brands succeed in Salinas. This operation will continue as planned, with winemaking resources in place to handle the upcoming harvest. Coventry’s wife, Melissa, will take a more active role in the business.
Coventry, whose first winemaking gig was at the storied Chalone property long before it sold to Diageo in 2004, initially worked there as an enologist, putting his Biology major (with minor in Chemistry from UC Santa Cruz), to good use. He worked alongside winemakers Dan Karlsen and Michael Michaud, fueling his lifelong passion to make wines of place.
While at Morgan (2002 – 2005), Coventry was the only winemaker with two wines on the 2003 Wine Spectator Top 100 list; Morgan was also named San Francisco Chronicle Winery of the Year in 2003.
A golden stint at De Tierra (2005 – 2010) resulted in the brand being named Winery of the Year for 2010 by the San Francisco International Wine Competition, with over 12 Gold, Double Gold and Platinum medals in that year alone.
Coventry, who serves on the Board of Directors for the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, told Edible earlier this year, “Monterey County needs more small wineries. The big wineries bring attention: the small ones bring greatness. I want to bring more great wine to the world!”
Now, it appears, he can do both.
Kudos to Gallo for choosing another local talent with a deep love of the Monterey County winegrowing region. It affirms their commitment to success of both the brand and the region for the long term, and with all the crown jewels intact.
About the author
Laura Ness is a longtime wine journalist, columnist and judge who contributes regularly to Edible Monterey Bay, Spirited, WineOh.Tv, Los Gatos Magazine and Wine Industry Network, and a variety of consumer publications. Her passion is telling stories about the intriguing characters who inhabit the fascinating world of wine and food.
