Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley — 2019
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Introduction
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The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards and the J. Davies Estate in Napa Valley, presents its eighth 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 2019 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. These vineyards are intentionally farmed to produce low yields which result in vivid, concentrated flavors. The resulting wine, a blend of grapes from vineyards in Atlas Peak, Oakville, Rutherford, Saint Helena, Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain and Calistoga, exhibits vibrant 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, warm days, and cool nights. Throughout the growing season, the canopy is carefully managed to ensure optimal fruit development.
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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: Napa Valley
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Vintage Report
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The 2019 growing season was an interesting one, starting later than previous years, due to cold temperatures and lots of winter rain. Mild heat throughout the summer with the occasional heat wave allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. 2019 produced a relatively large yielding and high-quality vintage, with balanced acidity and superb flavors.
- Harvest Date(s): September 27 - October 31, 2019
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 21 months, 65% in new French oak
- Coopers: Vicard G7, Taransaud, Marques
- Bottled: August 9, 2021
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
- Alcohol: 14.9%
- TA: 5.5 g/L
- p H: 3.8
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Tasting Notes
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“The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with bountiful aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry, raspberry compote with light notes of vanilla, anise and coffee beans. Integrated tannins anchor the wine’s palate, carrying flavors of dense blueberry and dark chocolate, with hints of vanilla and white pepper, leading to a youthful finish.”
— Winemakers Sean Thompson and Jessica Koga
— Consulting Winemaker Celia Welch
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Images
Reviews
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Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley — 2019 – James Suckling – 92 Points
“Ripe blackcurrants and blackberries, framed notes of sweet vanilla, eucalyptus and chocolate. Full-bodied, soft and mellow. Polished tannins and a rope fruit core with a long finish. Chewy at the end, with a cola undertone.”
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Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley — 2019 – Tasting Panel – 94 Points
“In its eighth vintage, grapes were sourced from seven sites: from valley floors to the Mayacamas and Vaca mountains. With 15% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, and aged 21 months, 65% in new French oak, one can pick up aromas and flavors that impart a sweetness from these barrels. Succulent notes of strawberry-vanilla and maple, along with a dense, creamy tex-ture and round tannins, fill the mouth. Blue¬berry preserves and licorice coat the tongue, rich and lathered with milk chocolate.”