Davies Vineyards

California: Napa Valley, United States

Pinot Noir, Ferrington Vineyards, Anderson Valley – 2017

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  • Introduction

    • The Davies family of Schramsberg Vineyards and Davies Vineyards in the Napa Valley is pleased to release its eighth vintage of Pinot Noir still wines. The family’s experience with Pinot Noir dates back to 1967, when Jack and Jamie Davies first used this elegant red varietal to make their inaugural vintage of Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine. Over the 51 years following that first use, Schramsberg’s winemakers have built long-lasting relationships with some of the best Pinot Noir growers in the North Coast. Developing upon this passion, history and experience, second-generation Vintner Hugh Davies and Director of Winemaking Sean Thompson are proud to present this vineyard-designate Pinot Noir wine from the 2017 vintage.

  • Vineyard Profile

    • The Ferrington Vineyards property, located approximately 100 miles north of San Francisco and 17 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, is in a fertile pocket of land found at the edge of the northeastern foothills of Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley. Between 360 and 440 feet above sea level, the vines utilize over six feet of Boontling and Pinole loam soil, sustainable farming practices and deficit irrigation to produce approximately 2.5 tons per acre of bright, complex fruit with great balance. Cool, foggy nights and steadily warming days provide a long, even growing season, which delivers mature fruit depth with a vibrant, acidic backbone.

    • Appellation: Anderson Valley
    • Clones: 828, 115, 667, 777, Pommard
  • Vintage Report

    • Harvest 2017 came a bit early in Mendocino, but closer to the average starting time than in many years. Heavy winter rains fortified vineyards and resulted in big, healthy vines. Bud break timing was normal, and no major frost events or uneven weather occurred during that period. A late August heat wave occurred pre-harvest for the reds, and ripening progressed at a leisurely pace after temperatures cooled.

    • Harvest Date(s): September 4, 2017
  • Vinification

    • Barrel Aging: 15 months in 100% French Oak; 25% new, 25% 1x, 50% neutral
    • Coopers: Damy, Billon, Atelier Centre France
    • Bottled: January 15, 2019
  • Technical Information

    • Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
    • Production (in cases): 325 (9-Liter)
    • Alcohol: 14.5%
    • TA: 5.9 g/L
    • p H: 3.61
    • Release Date: September 1, 2019
  • Tasting Notes

    • “This Pinot Noir features expressive aromas of strawberry, cherry, jasmine, baking spice, red currant, almond and a touch of anise. The palate is well structured, offering flavors of black plum, red currant, pepper, vanilla, cassis, dark chocolate with fine grained tannins, which lead effortlessly into a long, lasting finish.” – Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies

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Reviews

  • J. Davies Pinot Noir, Ferrington Vineyards, Anderson Valley – 2017 – The Wine Advocate – 92 Points

    Pale to medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyards was aged 15 months in 25% new oak. The nose features red licorice, cardamom, tree bark and bitters over a core of red and black cherries and raspberries. The medium-bodied palate is bright and spicy with ripe red fruits, a grainy frame and great freshness on the long finish. Lovely! 325 cases produced.

  • Davies Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ferrington Vineyards, Anderson Valley – 2017 – Wine Enthusiast – 91 Points

    This effusive, cheery and luxurious wine leads with fresh cherry aromas, coats the palate with strawberry and red-cherry flavors and finishes with even more fruit. It is tasty, soft and full bodied.

  • Davies Vineyard Ferrington Vineyard Pinot Noir – 2017 – The Tasting Panel – 94 Points

    From the family behind Schramsberg Vineyards, the eighth vintage of this Pinot Noir is stunning. A nose of sweet cherry and rose petal leads to a delicate mouthfeel that whispers clues of sweet tobacco and salted strawberry jam. The finish of tilled soil shows balance and depth.

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