J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2015
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Introduction
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The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its fifteenth 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 five decades ago. A creation of the next generation of the Davies family, the J. Davies Estate 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 41 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 that was first planted by Colin McEachran in 1878 and then 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 11 – October 22, 2015
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 24 months in French oak, 88% new
- Coopers: Atelier, Vicard, Taransaud, Marques, Boutes
- Bottled: August 14, 2017
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Malbec, 2% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot; 1% Cabernet Franc
- Production (in cases): 1,200 (9-Liter)
- Available Formats: 750ml, 1.5L, 3L
- Alcohol: 14.7%
- TA: 0.60 g/100 mL
- p H: 3.85
- Release Date: September 1, 2018
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Tasting Notes
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“This Cabernet opens with rich aromas of blackberry, cherry and dried floral elements, accentuated by undertones of vanilla, clove and milk chocolate. Integrated tannins anchor the wine’s well-structured palate, where a concentrated and powerful entry of plum, black currant and raspberry leads to a smooth finish with a touch of cocoa powder and graphite.” – Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies
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Images
Reviews
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District – 2015 – Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
This blends the main variety with 16% Malbec and smaller pinches of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The resulting wine is robust and well built, softly structured and punctuated in flavors of bold red cherry and plum. Rich, it shows some restraint and ultimately balance, the fruit integrated with oak and tannin.
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J. Davies, Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District – 2015 – Wine Spectator – 92 Points
The baked berry pie flavors are compelling, with blueberry, blackberry and wild berry notes, turning supple and graceful. Impressive, offering drink-me-now allure and cellaring possibilities. Best from 2020 through 2032.
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2015 – 93 Points – The Wine Advocate
“J. Davies Diamond Mountain has a deep garnet-purple color and offers up classic black currant, black plum and mulberry scents with hints of cigar box, yeast extract and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied with a great core of black berry and earthy layers, the fruit is supported by grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a pleasant herbal lift.”