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 55 years.

The vineyard blocks, totaling 46 acres, are laid out in four isolated pockets ranging from 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 McEachran parcel, first planted by Colin McEachran in 1878, and the Claes parcel, dating back to 1984. 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 compact coniferous and deciduous forests, the vines here produce late-ripening, richly concentrated fruit with average yields of just two tons per acre.

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.

“2017 J. Davies Estate “Jamie” opens with captivating aromas of boysenberry, vanilla and dark chocolate, with hints of black raspberry purée and coffee. The palate welcomes lush red and black fruits including blackberry and cherry, mingled with layers of star anise, baking spice, tobacco and wild thyme. The body is supported by finely grained tannins and a well-structured finish.”

— Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies
— Consulting Winemaker Celia Welch