J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2017
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Introduction
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The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg and Davies Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its seventeenth 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 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is the creation of two generations of the Davies family, the product of an intimate knowledge of a place and of a passion to create 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 550 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 V alley, Estate Grown
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Vintage Report
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For the 2017 vintage, abundant winter rains prior to the growing season helped recharge reservoirs and groundwater. Spring weather was cool to mild, with increased vine vigor and extended flowering in some areas. The summer was warm with heat spikes throughout July, August and September. Cooler weather arrived after Labor Day weekend giving Bordeaux varieties extra hang time.
- Harvest Date(s): September 28 – October 19, 2017
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 22 months in French oak, 65% new
- Coopers: Vicard, Taransaud, Atelier, Orion
- Bottled: August 29, 2019
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 1% P etit Verdot
- Production (in cases): 1,150 (9-Liter)
- Available Formats: 750ml, 1.5L, 3L
- Alcohol: 14.8%
- TA: 5.9 g/L
- p H: 3.88
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Tasting Notes
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“The 2017 J. Davies Estate Cabernet opens with rich aromas of black plum, red cherry and marionberry, accentuated by undertones of vanilla, cola spice, fresh bay leaf and mint. Firm but integrated tannins anchor the wine’s palate, where a broad entry of blueberry and milk chocolate is followed by flavors of fresh coffee and blackberry.”
— Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies
— Consulting Winemaker Celia Welch
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Images
Reviews
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2017 – James Suckling – 92 Points
Sweet berry, cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied with round tannins and a juicy finish. Nice purity throughout.
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J. Davies Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – 2017 – Vinous – 94 Points
Graphite, plum, smoke, crushed rocks, menthol and licorice meld together in a Cabernet that deftly balances super-ripe fruit with layers of Diamond Mountain savoriness. I especially like the energy here... It is a beguiling Cabernet to enjoy over the next 10-15 years, maybe more.
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2017 – Wine Enthusiast – 91 Points
A hearty, iron-rich and red-fruited estate wine from the high-elevation mountain, delivers this wine with bold, beautiful layers of complex flavor and texture. Dusty, crushed rock components add to its earthy core. Virginie
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2017 – Wine Spectator – 93 Points
This packs in serious juicy plum, blackberry and black currant paste flavors, laced with lively sassafras and sage notes. A singed wood spice accent adds texture and range to the finish. A touch of cellaring will allow this to unwind fully.