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

The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards and J. Davies Estate in Napa Valley, presents its first bottling of the McGrath Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the St. Helena District. Building upon its Cabernet Sauvignon experience with its home property on Diamond Mountain since 2001, and a broad range of other Napa Valley sites since 2012, the Davies team started with McGrath in 2021. 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.

Situated on the western side of St. Helena, the McGrath Vineyard benefits from the regions warm climate and ample sunlight, balanced by refreshing cool evenings. Characterized by rocky, well-drained soils predominantly composed of bale loam and river wash, this 3.5-acre vineyard was established in 2001. The McGrath and Davies families relationship dates back to the 1960s when Joe McGrath and Hugh Davies grew up as neighbors on Diamond Mountain.

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 McGrath Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon opens with notes of baked blueberry, blackberry compote, black pepper, and fresh herbs. A lively entry of black raspberry and plum layers the palate, supported by rich tannins a spicy richness that lingers through to the finish.- Jessica Koga, Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies

Reviews

95 Points
A new addition to the lineup, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon McGrath Vineyard features aromas of black cherries and loam, accented by some savory, black olive notes. It's full-bodied and plush, concentrated and ripe yet not overdone, with hints of blueberries on the soft, supple finish.- Wine Advocate, March 2024
95 Points
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon McGrath Vineyard is a new wine in this range. It emerges from a small vineyard in St. Helena near Dr. Crane. Black cherry fruit, mocha, spice, new leather, incense and bittersweet chocolate are all amplified. A wine of somber gravitas, the McGrath is a fine addition to the lineup. The 2021 is very much an extrovert, but that's true of all the Cabernet in the Davies lineup.- Vinous, May 2024
93 Points
Impressive concentration of flavor is carried by pliant, palate-coating tannins and juicy acidity. Flavors of sour cherry, plum jam, blueberry and sweet spices linger through a long finish. This wine is structural and generous.- Wine Enthusiast, September 2024

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