J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2011
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Introduction
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The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its eleventh vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is produced from the historic Diamond Mountain vineyards purchased in 1965 and replanted to Bordeaux varietals beginning in 1994. The wine is named in honor of patriarch Jack L. Davies, who along with his wife, Jamie, revived the Schramsberg property and established the preeminent American sparkling wine house more than four decades ago. A creation of the next generation of the Davies family, the J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon is the product of an intimate knowledge of a place and a passion to create a delicious red wine.
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Vineyard Profile
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The vineyard blocks, totaling 43 acres, are laid out in three isolated pockets ranging from approximately 500 to 1,000 feet in elevation. They include the two Schram sections, Napa Valley’s first hillside vineyards, originally established in 1862 by Jacob Schram. The third piece is the adjacent McEachran parcel, which was first planted by Colin McEachran in 1878 and was purchased by Schramsberg in 1985. These are the southernmost vineyards in the Diamond Mountain District AVA. Flanked by two cool creek canyons (Nash Creek to the north and Ritchie Creek to the south) and surrounded by dense coniferous and deciduous forests, the vines here produce late-ripening, richly concentrated fruit with average yields of just two tons per acre.
- Appellation: Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley (estate-grown)
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): October 13-29
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 24 months in French oak, 90% new
- Coopers: Taransaud, Boutes, Ca Vin, Vicard
- Bottled: September 16, 2013
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec
- Production (in cases): 3,500 cases (6/750ml)
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- TA: 0.55g/100ml
- p H: 3.84
Images
Reviews
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2011 – 90 points, Cellar Selection – Wine Enthusiast
“A generous expression of mountain Cab…this rich, soft wine is remarkable for its texture and mouthfeel, which is velvety and smooth. Peppercorn, dried herb and chocolate pronounce themselves on the palate…”
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2011 – 90 points – jamessuckling.com
"Delicate aromas of blueberries and tar follow through to a medium to full body, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. A subtle, refined red."
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2011 – 93 points – Vinous
"Here the aromas and flavors are more floral, spiced and …This is a remarkably textured, supple wine for the vintage and Diamond Mountain. Readers won't find too many 2011 Napa Valley Cabernets where the fruit is so juicy. There is certainly a lot to like here."
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2011 – 93 points – The Wine Advocate
"...the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is slightly more exotic with evolved aromas of white flowers, creme de cassis, licorice and graphite. This perfumed, medium to full-bodied wine possesses both power and elegance (as the finest Napa Cabernets often do)."