2021 "Oliven Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon (1 x 750 ml)

The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards and J. Davies Estate in Napa Valley, presents its second bottling of the Oliven Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the Calistoga 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 connected with Oliven in 2020. 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.

Oliven Vineyard, which is located south of Tubbs Lane within the Calistoga AVA, was developed in 2017. Owners Jon and Joy Alferness planted three blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon in the well-draining alluvial and loamy soils on the property, and have farmed the land organically from the start. At approximately 390 ft. in elevation, daytime temperatures at this altitude are quite warmer allowing for a fast accumulation of sugar and ripening of the fruit during the growing season. Cool maritime air from the Pacific Ocean, which arrives at night, helps the grapes maintain their acidic structure and balance. This combination of geology and climate creates an exceptional site to cultivate delicious Cabernet Sauvignon.

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 Oliven Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon introduces aromas of blackberry compote, cherries jubilee, and sarsaparilla, with a touch of roasted coffee bean, dark caramel, and dark miso intertwined. A juicy entry of dense plum and cherry offers firm young tannins which support a long finish on the palate.- Winemakers Sean Thompson, Jessica Koga and Hugh Davies

Reviews

94 Points
From a Calistoga site south of Tubbs Lane farmed by Jim Barbour, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Oliven Vineyard features hints of pencil shavings and grilled meat, plus ripe cherries and classic sage and bay leaf notes for complexity. A blend of three clones, it's medium to full-bodied, silky, fine and elegant. Already approachable, it should continue to drink well for another decade or more.- Wine Advocate, March 2024
94 Points
Another new wine in this range, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Oliven Vineyard emerges from a site in Calistoga. Super-ripe dark fruit, leather, licorice, scorched earth and spice race across the palate. Next to the other wines in this lineup, the Oliven feels a bit pushed in terms of ripeness. Then again, we are in Calistoga.- Vinous, May 2024
93 Points
Jammy blackfruits, sour cherries and blueberries mix with dried herbs and dried tobacco to make a simultaneously savory and fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon. Supple tannins coat the palate, providing a satisfying wine to enjoy on its own or with a meal.- Wine Enthusiast, September 2024

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