WINERY After Jack and Jamie Davies revived the historic Schramsberg property in Napa Valley, their son, Hugh Davies, initiated a red wine program using the family’s estate vineyards on Diamond Mountain. Starting in the 1990s, Hugh undertook the replanting of the home property to red Bordeaux varietals leading to the J. Davies Cabernet program; he later partnered with North Coast growers to launch Davies Vineyards Pinot Noirs.

WINE The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards and the J. Davies Estate in Napa Valley, presents its tenth 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 represents an outstanding range of sites across the Napa Valley. Each vineyard is intentionally farmed to produce low yields, resulting in vivid, concentrated flavors. The finished wine exhibits vibrant fruitful flavors, a rich texture, and firm tannic structure, allowing for enjoyment now as well as extended aging.

This wine is crafted from grapes sourced from the Mayacamas Mountains and the Vaca Range, including the sub-appellations of Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain, and Atlas Peak, as well as from the valley floor, which includes the appellations of Napa Carneros, Coombsville, Oakville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. The general climate provides near-perfect fruit development conditions during the peak growing season with little rainfall, warm days, and cool nights.

The 2022 vintage began with over 20 inches of rain from October to December, followed by mostly dry conditions from January to March. After a frosty spring and some hail events, we welcomed a warmer summer. A record-breaking September heat wave kicked harvest into full swing. This distinctive weather pattern contributed to the diverse flavor profile for which Napa Valley cabernets are celebrated, ranging from vibrant and elegant to dense and powerful.

Cabernet Sauvignon harvest began at the end of mid September and carried into mid-October, delivering fruit with bright and balanced concentration. Fruit was carefully selected, pressed and aged 21 months, 62% in new French oak.

“Our 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers enticing aromas of dark cherry, blueberry, plum, and blackberry, complemented by notes of açaí, thyme, and tobacco leaf, intertwined with subtle hints of cocoa nib, cardamom, caramel, and coffee bean. The palate opens with dark red berries and dense fruit, transitioning into a plush midpalate of cherry, chocolate, Indian spices, and black pepper. The wine’s layered flavors are beautifully supported by integrated tannins and structure, leading to a plush finish.”
– Winemakers Sean Thompson, Jessica Koga, Hugh Davies & Consulting Winemaker Celia Welch