2021 "Leonardini Vineyard" Cabernet (1 x 750 ml)

The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards and Davies Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its second bottling of the St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon. 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 mid-valley appellation. Second-generation Vintner Hugh Davies, VP 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 2021 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.

Following a second consecutive dry winter, springs bud break and flowering activity occurred two weeks earlier than normal. Vines would ultimately carry a light crop in 2021; summer heat spikes nudged the small-sized berries and clusters to even ripeness. Our Cabernet Sauvignon harvest began at the end of mid-September and carried into mid-October, delivering fruit with bright and balanced concentration.

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Tasting notes

Our 2021 Leonardini Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon supplies aromas of raspberry, black plum, nutmeg, and black pepper, layered with notes or herbs and complex forest floor. The palate features a rich and powerful entry of cherry and opulent fruit, with subtle hints of espresso bean and dark cocoa. The long and sturdy finish carries the generous core to a graceful end.- Jessica Koga, Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies

Reviews

96 Points
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Leonardini Vineyard is packed with inky dark red/purplish fruit, mocha, blood orange, spice, menthol and incense. This, too, boasts great balance and tons of class, qualities that are hard to come by in the southern sector of St. Helena. The 2021 Leonardini is superb.- Vinous, May 2024
93 Points
Sourced from a well-known St. Helena site, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Leonardini Vineyard features aromas of ripe cherries and dusty earth, plus subtle hints of mint, cedar and vanilla. It's full-bodied, plush and soft, already easy to drink but with enough concentration to think it will continue to drink well for at least a decade.- Wine Advocate, March 2024
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