J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2016
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Introduction
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The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg and Davies Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its sixteenth vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from the historic Diamond Mountain vineyards they purchased in 1965. The estate vineyards were replanted to Bordeaux varietals beginning in 1994, and the J. Davies Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was first released in 2004 (2001 vintage).
J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon is the creation of the second generation of the Davies family, the product of an intimate knowledge of a place and of a passion to create a delicious red wine. 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 over 50 years ago.
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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
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The 2016 vintage was a near-perfect growing season with ideal weather condition throughout. Thanks to a relatively steady and mild July and August, and then a series of warm days at the end of the growing season, vineyards were able to progress to perfect ripeness for the light yields that were present.
- Harvest Date(s): September 19 – October 22, 2016
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 22 months in 62% new French oak
- Coopers: Boutes, Damy, Atelier, Taransaud
- Bottled: August 30, 2018
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot
- Production (in cases): 1,200 (9-Liter)
- Available Formats: 750ml, 1.5L, 3L
- Alcohol: 14.7%
- TA: 6.6 g/l
- p H: 3.82
- Release Date: September 1, 2019
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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 Napa Valley Diamond Mountain District – 2016 – Wine Spectator – 92 Points
This sports an intriguing core of loganberry and mulled raspberry flavors, with sassafras, menthol and tea accents weaving throughout. Mulled spice details infuse the seductive finish. Distinctive. Drink now through 2028.
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Diamond Mountain District – 2016 – The Tasting Panel – 95 Points
The Davies family purchased the Diamond Mountain Vineyards in 1965, replanted it to Bordeaux varieties in 1994. This is the wine’s 16th vintage. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot, it spent 22 months in 62% new French oak. The opulence on the nose shows off dark chocolate and savory herbs, leather and blackberry. Lush and round on the mouth, this curvy, earthy red offers up cinnamon and cumin, and a hint of spearmint. Fruit is black and lathered with black licorice.
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Davies Vineyards J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon – 2016 – Wine Enthusiast – 94 Points
This wine has a supple succulence of black fruit on the midpalate that's accented by earthy, savory spice. Dark cherry and plum take on bolder, concentrated richness as the wine opens, with expansive, grippy tannins lending support. Enjoy 2026–2031.
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Diamond Mountain District – 2016 – James Suckling – 94 Points
Very vibrant, keenly articulated and concentrated cabernet that offers powerful black cherries and blackberries with dark chocolate and a deep, intense finish. This is full of promise. Try from 2020.