J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Jamie, 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 the fifth vintage of the J. Davies “Jamie,” the finest Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from its historic Diamond Mountain vineyard property. Bearing her signature, this wine is named in honor of Schramsberg’s matriarch, the late Jamie Davies. Along with her husband Jack, she revived the Schramsberg property in 1965 with an inspired vision of crafting world-class American sparkling wines. Five decades later, son Hugh, his wife Monique and a second generation of the Davies family has taken on the challenge of producing extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon from vines grown on the family’s hillside property. They are proud to release the J. Davies “Jamie” Cabernet Sauvignon, representing the pinnacle of an endeavor that spans over 54 years.
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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 500 to 1,000 feet in elevation. The first two are the original Schram sections, Napa Valley’s first hillside vineyards, originally established by Jacob Schram in 1862. The third section is the adjacent McEachran parcel, which was first planted by Colin McEachran in 1878. These are the southernmost vineyards in the Diamond Mountain District AVA. Supported by diverse volcanic soils, flanked by two cool creek canyons (Nash Creek to the north and Ritchie Creek to the south) and surrounded by compact 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): October 5-11, 2016
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Vinification
- Barrel Aging: 28 months in French oak, 75% new
- Coopers: Taransaud, Vicard, Atelier, Damy
- Bottled: January 14, 2019
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Production (in cases): 175 (9-Liter)
- Alcohol: 14.9%
- TA: 6.0 g/L
- p H: 3.85
- Release Date: October 1, 2020
Images
Reviews
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Jamie, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2016 – Wine Enthusiast – Best of Year – 95 Points
Made from estate-grown grapes, this wine opens in soft, sup-ple tannins and a wealth of powerful black fruit. Expansive and weighty on the palate, it unfurls integrated acidity throughout. Black pepper, dried herb and crushed rock components give it an endur-ing earthiness. Enjoy from 2026–2036. Cellar Selection.
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J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon, Jamie, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley – 2016 – Wine Spectator – 94 Points
A seductive style, with waves of creamed plum and boysenberry fruit rolling through, capped by dried anise and black tea notes, ending with a second flourish of fruit on the lush finish. A bit exotic, and will have fans for sure. Best from 2021 through 2034. 175 cases made.