2015 Red Cap Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1 X 750 ML)

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The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards and Davies Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its third bottling of the Red Cap Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the valleys Howell Mountain District. Building upon its experience with its home property on Diamond Mountain in the valleys western Mayacamas Range, this bottling represents the Davies teams effort with Cabernet Sauvignon from the valleys eastern Vaca Range. Second-generation Vintner Hugh Davies, Director of Winemaking Sean Thompson and Consultant Celia Welch have collaborated well together since 2008 in crafting Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, and they are very proud to present this unique vineyard-designate bottling from the 2015 vintage.

The Red Cap Vineyard is located near the summit of Howell Mountain at an elevation of 1,900 feet, along the western facing Vaca Mountain range. On this location, the Aiken loam and red rocky volcanic soils provide great root support and drainage, growing grapes which contain a round, balanced structure. The berries are also much smaller on the mountain side, providing higher skin to juice ratio, deepening the color of the wine while increasing tannins. Red Caps position above the fog line has a broad temperature range throughout the day. When compared to the valley floor, evening temperatures are warmer and daytime temperatures are cooler which supports greater acid retention within the grapes. This combination of soil and environment leads to an extraordinary site for growing delicious Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2015 vintage will be remembered for high quality, and low yields. The growing season started with unseasonably warm temperatures in late winter and early spring resulting in an early bud break and bloom. Cooler temperatures in May led to uneven fruit set. These conditions resulted in small clusters of grapes with highly concentrated flavors.

Tasting notes

This Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits aromas of red cherry, red plum, lavender and thyme combined with vanilla and baking spice. Flavors of red berry fruit and chocolate covered cherry mingle with tamarind and vanilla. Integrated tannins are seamlessly tied together with clean, fresh acid that leads to a long finish.- Winemakers Sean Thompson, Celia Welch and Hugh Davies

Reviews

94 Points - Cellar Selection
A 100% varietal wine from the mountain appellation, this offers aromas of violet and cedar before delving into powerful flavors of cherry, blueberry and graham cracker. Well-developed tannins, support the frame, retaining plenty of acidity and underlying succulence.- Wine Enthusiast (February 2019)
94 Points
Bright red cherry, raspberry jam, pine, white chocolate and expressive floral notes abound in the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Cap Vineyard. This is an especially gracious,perfumed Cabernet within the context of Howell Mountain. As such, it will drink well with just a few years of bottle age. Next to most of the other 2015s from Davies, the Red Cap seems to have preserved a bit more freshness, something this vintage sorely needed. Silky, polished tannins and beautifully layered fruit add to the wine's considerable appeal.- Vinous (March 2018)
93+ Points
Davies Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Red Cap. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Cap is youthfully reticent, offering glimpses at crushed blackberry and blueberry with licorice, dark chocolate and a hint of black olives. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals lovely vibrancy and energy, with a solid frame of grainy tannins and a finish that delivers savory notes and loads of earthy nuances.- Wine Advocate (October 2017)

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