Davies Vineyards
J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley
The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg and Davies Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its twenty-third vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from the historic Diamond Mountain property they purchased in 1965. The estate vineyards were replanted to Bordeaux varietals beginning in 1994, and the J. Davies Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was first released in 2004 (2001 vintage). This offering is the creation of two generations of the Davies family, the product of an intimate knowledge of this property, reflecting their passion to craft delicious red wine. 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 61 years ago.
The 46 acres of vineyards span four distinct pockets at 500–1,000 feet, including Napa Valley’s first hillside plantings by Jacob Schram in 1862, the McEachran parcel (1878), and the Claes parcel (1984). As the southernmost sites in the Diamond Mountain District AVA, flanked by Nash and Ritchie Creeks and forested slopes, they yield late-ripening, intensely concentrated fruit at just two tons per acre.
- Region
- California: Napa Valley
- Appellation
- Napa Valley
- Sub-Appellation
- Diamond Mountain District
- Varietal Composition
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Aging
- 22 months in 67% new French oak.
- Alcohol
- 15.1%
The J. Davies Estate Cabernet Sauvignon features aromas of blueberry and black currant, layered with rich notes of espresso and tobacco. Floral hints of lavender, juniper, and sage add nuance. The palate is generous, with flavors of black raspberry and tart black cherry. A touch of cayenne spice adds warmth, while mountain tannins provide a structured, long finish.
Wine Advocate
96 Points
2023
The 2023 J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon originates from the family's estate vineyard parcels on Diamond Mountain. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Merlot, it spent 22 months in two-thirds new French oak. Picked as late as November 9, this superb wine features hints of dark chocolate and mocha set against a backdrop of cassis and blueberry, with grace notes of bay leaf and anise. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, this balanced, concentrated effort finishes long and intense.
— Joe Czerwinski, 2026
Vinous
96 Points
2023
"The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Davies Estate is a brooding Diamond Mountain wine. Black fruit, leather, incense, tobacco, graphite, dried herbs and bittersweet chocolate stain the palate. This deep, potent Cabernet is decidedly somber in bearing. Give it a few years to come together. Floral, spice and mineral top notes begin to appear with a bit of time in the glass."
— Antonio Galloni, 2025
