2019 "Leonardini Vineyard" Cabernet (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 St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon from the St. Helena 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 this famed appellation. 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 2019 vintage.

Approximately 20 miles north of the San Francisco and San Pablo Bays, and nestled between the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountain ranges, lies appellation St. Helena. The hourglass shape of this appellations geography, and its distance from the cool waters of the Bay and the Pacific Ocean, set this historic location apart from any other growing region. Vineyards are located on ancient alluvial fans, that sweep toward the Napa River. Consistent heat is locked in during the day and is amplified by the hillsides; at night, that same slender width funnels moderating breezes to dramatically cool the vines, sometimes by as much as 40 to 50 degrees. This extreme shift in temperature helps the fruit retain ideal balance and acidity.

The Leonardini Vineyard was first planted to grapes in the late 1800s when the Lewelling Family settled on a large tract of land on the southern outskirts of St. Helena. The old-time farmers of the area said that the soil, Cortina Gravely Loam, in this particular area was renowned for black wine grapes. However, the quality of the harvests varied greatly depending on seasonal rainfall due to the fast draining soils. This wine is crafted from two distinct blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, creating depth of color and flavor.

The 2019 growing season started off with lots of winter rain and cold temperatures. Mild conditions continued throughout the summer with an occasional heat wave allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. The 2019 vintage delivered high quality with relatively large yields, balanced acidity and superb flavors.

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Tasting notes

The 2019 "Leonardini Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of blueberry, dark cherry and black plum, underlined with notes of nutmeg, chai spice, tobacco and a light hint of violet. A clean and dense entry of blackcurrant, marionberry and pomegranate integrates with well structed tannins on the palate. Undertones of dried orange peel, barrel toast and forest floor lead to a smooth and plush finish.- Winemakers Sean Thompson, Csilla Kato and Hugh Davies

Reviews

94 Points
A new wine in this range, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Leonardini Vineyard emerges from a site on the southern edge of St. Helena. Sweet red cherry, kirsch, hard candy, vanillin, spice and licorice give the 2019 its racy personality. This flamboyant Cabernet is alluring from the very first taste.- Vinous, January 2022
93 Points
Leafy herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and iron notes all emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Leonardini, a medium to full-bodied, spicy, complex, unique wine in the lineup. There's more herbal, almost black olive-like nuances here, and it's nicely balanced and has tons of character.- Jeb Dunnuck, March 2022
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