J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2009
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Introduction
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The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its ninth 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 23-October 28
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 24 months in French oak (65% new)
- Coopers: Taransaud, Boutes, Vicard, Gamba
- Bottled: September 13, 2011
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec
- Production (in cases): 4,912 cases (6/750ml)
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- TA: 0.54g/100ml
- p H: 3.85
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Tasting Notes
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Dark perfumed aromas of blueberry and brambleberry are accentuated by mocha, vanilla cream and tobacco. The palate is bold, complex and fruitful. Wild berry compote and black cherry flavors mingle with notes of black tea and dark chocolate. All aspects are seamlessly brought together with fine grain tannins that sustain 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 – 2009 – 90 points – The Wine Advocate
"…exhibits wonderful flowery notes along with an elegant, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet red and black currant and loamy, dusty, earthy notes intermixed with a hint of roasted herbs..."
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2009 – 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
“Give this dramatic young wine a little time in the decanter or the glass to gain its stride…a bit of breathing softens it, bringing out a vast core of sweet black currant. Lots of new oak adds to the sweetness in the form of buttered toast.”
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2009 – 92 points – The Tasting Panel
“Silky and focused with tangy plum, raspberry and cherry; supple, elegant and bright with lovely structure and notes of sweet oak; long and charming with aging potential.”
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2009 – 91 points – Wine Spectator
“This wine continues to improve. Supple, graceful and delicate, exhibiting a core of loamy earth, currant, herb and floral scents that retain their elegance on the finish.”