2016 Simpkins 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 first vintage bottling of the Simpkins Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coombsville District. Building upon its experience with its home property on Diamond Mountain in the valleys western Mayacamas Range, second-generation Vintner Hugh Davies, Director of Winemaking Sean Thompson and Consultant Celia Welch have developed an excellent collaboration over the past decade in crafting Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, and they are very proud to present this unique vineyard-designate bottling from the 2016 vintage.

Coombsville is a quiet area, in the southeastern corner of the Napa Valley, tucked up against the foothills of the Vaca Maountain Range, just outside of the Napa city limits. Coombsville wines can be recognized by their structured tannins, which provide excellent power and mouthfeel, along with underlying layers of earth and mineral flavors. The vineyard soil is rocky loam, providing good drainage and low nutrient concentration. Under these external stresses the vines work hard to produce a limited amount of the best quality fruit.

Coombsville's temperatures are moderated by its proximity to the San Pablo Bay. Temperate daily highs and minimal heat spikes limit dehydration, preserves acidity levels, and generally aids even ripening patterns. The vines bud early, and the grapes tend to be harvested later, making for a long, slow ripening period which promotes intensified flavors and layering in the finished wine.

The 2016 vintage was a near-perfect growing season with ideal weather conditions throughout. Thanks to a relatively steady and mild July/August, followed by 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.

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Tasting notes

This Cabernet Sauvignon opens with rich aromas of black plum and brambly berry accentuated by undertones of black pepper, sage and vanilla. The palate has a well-structured, full and lush entry of black raspberry with notes of dark chocolate and coffee leading to a smooth finish.- Winemakers Sean Thompson, Celia Welch and Hugh Davies

Reviews

94 Points
A large core of dark plum, blueberry and açaí berry fruit flavors rolls along, carried by charcoal and graphite notes underneath. The grip builds steadily through the finish, layered in tobacco, melted licorice and roasted juniper accents along the way, while the fruit keeps pace. Shows excellent Coombsville typicity.- Wine Spectator (February 2020)
94 Points
Rich brambly blackberry and cherry mingle around a tense midpalate of focused acidity, grip and structure in this 100% varietal wine. Crushed rock and earth add to the accents of baking spice, clove and tobacco. The wine is textured and impressively lengthy.- Wine Enthusiast (Januray 2020)
93 Points
A classic wine from this cooler, more southern AVA in Napa, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Simpkins Vineyard has a saturated purple color as well as a complex bouquet of blackcurrants, damp earth, tobacco, and maybe even a hint of truffle. Its medium to full-bodied, has a fresh, vibrant, silky texture, and a great finish. It should continue drinking beautifully for two decades.- Jeb Dunnuck (January 2019)

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