J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2007
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Introduction
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The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its seventh vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is produced from the historic Diamond Mountain vineyards 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 house more than four decades ago. A creation of the next generation of the Davies family, the J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon 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 43 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 the adjacent 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; Estate-grown
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): September 13-October 31
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 22 months in French oak, 85% new
- Coopers: Taransaud, Boutes, Vicard
- Bottled: August 17, 2009
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot
- Production (in cases): 4,276 cases (6/750ml)
- Alcohol: 14.6%
- TA: 0.62g/100ml
- p H: 3.72
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Tasting Notes
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Layered and evolving, the concentrated boysenberry and blackberry fruit aromas combine with nuances of cocoa, cinnamon and sandalwood. The palate is bold, complex and rich; with wild berry compote and black cherry dancing with touches of vanilla cream and clove. Silky tannins give structure and balance, affording a long and luxurious finish.
–Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies, Winemakers
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Images
Reviews
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2007 – 4 stars – Decanter
“Bold blackberry, earth, coffee and savoury perfume. Very rich and suave with mocha, vanilla, pepper and earth notes. Elegantly and richly layered with soft tannins and a good structure.”
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2007 – 94 points – The Tasting Panel
“Dark, dense, rich and plummy with spice; velvety, lush, ripe and spiced with black plum and cassis, cherry; lush, long, balanced.”
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2007 – 94 points – The Wine Advocate
"...beautifully sweet black and blue fruits (particularly cassis and blueberries) interwoven with hints of Chinese black tea, incense, charcoal, and forest flora. Full-bodied with silky tannins, a terrific texture, and a stunningly long finish...."