2018 Davies Napa Valley Cabernet - New Release (1 X 750 ML)
Blending grapes from an array of vineyards means being able to make a wine of great complexity. Seven vineyard sites from across Napa Valley have come together to craft this Cabernet Sauvignon. Napa Valley vineyards are intentionally farmed to produce low yields which result in vivid, concentrated flavors in the grapes. We've blended grapes from vineyards in Atlas Peak, Oakville, Rutherford, Saint Helena, Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain and Calistoga to construct a wine with fruitful flavors, rich texture, and firm structure supported by supple tannins for extended aging.
The Napa Valley was Californias first AVA, or American Viticultural Area, recognized by the U.S. government in 1981. Though just 30 miles long and a few miles wide, Napa Valley is one of the most geologically diverse wine regions in the world. Home to various microclimates, terrain and soils it has a dry Mediterranean climate which is ideal for producing consistent wines from vintage to vintage. This climate provides near perfect growing conditions during the peak growing season with little rainfall and warm summer days but cool nights. Throughout the growing season, the canopy is carefully managed, usually by hand, to ensure optimal fruit development.
The long growing season in 2018 revealed a vintage with structure and concentration without being overripe. Despite a warm February, the growing season started off cooler than the past few vintages. A cool spring meant bloom lasted longer than usual, which resulted in a bountiful crop. Summer temperatures were moderate with fewer heat spikes than in recent years. Veraison started later as well, and as a result, harvest started two to three weeks later than in recent years. The result was structured fruit, with outstanding color and brightness.
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon opens with rich aromas of blackberry, plum and black cherry, and is accentuated with notes of chai spice, cinnamon and dark chocolate. Present tannins and a vibrant acidity anchors the wines palate, where the juicy entry of red plum and blueberry leads to hints of dried orange peel, and is followed by a long finish of cassis, coffee, and cocoa.- Winemakers Sean Thompson, Hugh Davies and Celia Welch
Reviews
95 PointsIn its seventh vintage, this red from the J. Davies Estate in Diamond Mountain blends grapes from valley floor to both the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges. With 14% Malbec and 2% Merlot blended in, it is aged 21 months in 52% French oak. Dark chocolate cedar plunges into a sea of blackberry preserves. This wine is so luscious, so generous in its offerings of tobacco, tar, sage, and coffee bean, enveloping plum notes as it completes an aesthetic balance through to the finish.- The Tasting Panel (July/August 2021)
92 Points
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is racy and expressive in the glass. Super-ripe red raspberry, spice, vanillin and a hint of chocolate add a pretty touch of flamboyance to this open-knit, silky Cabernet Sauvignon. Supple and inviting, with no hard edges, the 2018 will drink well right out of the gate. Best of all the 2018 is a fabulous value.- Antonio Galloni (January 2021)
91 Points
A very rich, opulent nose with aromas of sandalwood, nougat and grilled plum. Its full-bodied with a firm tannin structure. Stewed fruit flavors lead to a warm, toffee and chocolate-infused finish. Drink or hold.- James Suckling (December 2020)
