J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2010
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Introduction
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The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its tenth 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): October 1-November 5
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 24 months in French oak (70% new)
- Coopers: Taransaud, Boutes, Vicard
- Bottled: August 28, 2012
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec
- Production (in cases): 4,080 cases (6/750ml)
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- TA: 0.55g/100ml
- p H: 3.87
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Tasting Notes
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“Dark perfumed aromas of boysenberry and plum combine with cocoa, vanilla cream,and tobacco. The palate is bold, complex and fruitful. Loganberry and black cherry mingle with Earl Grey tea and dark chocolate, and 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 – 2010 – 91 points – jamessuckling.com
"A rich, juicy red with currant and iron character that follows through to a full body, with round tannins and a flavorful finish."
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2010 – 91 points – Wine Spectator
"Delivers a beam of firm, rich blackberry, featuring floral scents and notes of mineral and graphite. The lively finish shows a measure of finesse and polish, with gripping tannins. Drink now through 2026."
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2010 – 94 points – The Wine Advocate
“…A beautifully balanced, totally harmonious wine, the 2010 stands out for its impeccable balance. All the elements are simply in the right place. Wild flowers, mint and sweet herbs ring out on the vibrant, beautifully delineated finish.”