J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2004
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Introduction
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The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its fourth vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon produced from the historic Diamond Mountain vineyards they 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 brand more than four decades ago. J. Davies is the creation of the current Schramsberg winemakers, Hugh Davies and Craig Roemer, who have worked together at the winery for the past 13 years. J. Davies 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 42 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 on the neighboring 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
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): September 15–October 15
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 19 months in French oak, 75% new
- Coopers: Taransaud, Boutes, Vicard
- Bottled: May 31, 2006
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 7% Petite Verdot, 5% Merlot
- Production (in cases): 2,956 cases (6/750ml)
- Alcohol: 14.6%
- TA: 0.55g/100ml
- p H: 3.85
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Tasting Notes
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Generous aromas of mocha-laced boysenberry and blackberry are complemented with anise, clove and cassis. The initial palate exudes the lush, wild berry character of Diamond Mountain fruit. Layers of succulent plum and chocolate lead to refined, plush tannins on the finish.
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Images
Reviews
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2004 – 94 points – The Wine Advocate
"A classy, elegant bouquet of spring flowers, blue and dark red fruits jumps from the glass… Sweet, round and complex with good delineation and vibrancy, this is a terrific example of mountain viticulture. Complex yet authoritative, elegant yet rich and powerful…"
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2004 – 90 points – Wine Spectator
“Alluring for its creamy flavors and texture, with a mix of fresh, snappy currant, anise, blackberry and toasty mocha-laced oak. Firms up on the finish, where the minerally notes provide a cleansing aftertaste.”
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2004 – 89 points – Wine Enthusiast
“this Cab-dominated Bordeaux blend will benefit from decanting. It needs some air to open up and reveal its heart of cassis.”