The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards and the J. Davies Estate in Napa Valley, presents its seventh vintage of Davies Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Expanding on knowledge gained through the production of the J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the Diamond Mountain estate, this bottling offers a broader exploration of the Napa Valley. A diverse blend of vineyards—from the valley floor to both the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges —has allowed the winemaking team to craft a deliciously layered and balanced 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Blending grapes from an array of vineyards means being able to make a wine of great complexity. Seven vineyard sites from across Napa Valley have come together to craft this Cabernet Sauvignon. Napa Valley vineyards are intentionally farmed to produce low yields which result in vivid, concentrated flavors in the grapes. We’ve blended grapes from vineyards in Atlas Peak, Oakville, Rutherford, Saint Helena, Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain and Calistoga to construct a wine with fruitful flavors, rich texture and firm structure supported by supple tannins for extended aging.

The Napa Valley was California’s first AVA, or American Viticultural Area, recognized by the U.S. government in 1981. Though just 30 miles long and a few miles wide, Napa Valley is one of the most geologically diverse wine regions in the world. Home to various microclimates, terrain and soils it has a dry Mediterranean climate which is ideal for producing consistent wines from vintage to vintage. This climate provides near perfect growing conditions during the peak growing season with little rainfall and warm summer days but cool nights. Throughout the growing season, the canopy is carefully managed, usually by hand, to ensure optimal fruit development.

The long growing season in 2018 revealed a vintage with structure and concentration without being overripe. Despite a warm February, the growing season started off cooler than the past few vintages. A cool spring meant bloom lasted longer than usual, which resulted in a bountiful crop. Summer temperatures were moderate with fewer heat spikes than in recent years. Veraison started later as well, and as a result, harvest started two to three weeks later than in recent years. The result was structured fruit, with outstanding color and brightness.

“The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with rich aromas of blackberry, plum and black cherry, and is accentuated with notes of chai spice, cinnamon and dark chocolate. Present tannins and a vibrant acidity anchors the wine’s palate, where the juicy entry of red plum and blueberry leads to hints of dried orange peel, and is followed by a long finish of cassis, coffee and cocoa.”

-Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies
-Consulting Winemaker Celia Welch