2022 "Leonardini Vineyard" Cabernet (1 x 750 ml)

The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards and Davies Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its third bottling of Leornardini 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 this famed mid-valley appellation. Second-generation Vintner Hugh Davies, Head Winemaker 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 2022 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 three distinct blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, creating depth of color and flavor.

The 2022 vintage began with over 20 inches of rain from October to December, followed by mostly dry conditions from January to March. After a frosty spring and some hail events, we welcomed a warmer summer. A record-breaking September heat wave kicked harvest into full swing. This distinctive weather pattern contributed to the diverse flavor profile for which Napa Valley cabernets are celebrated, ranging from vibrant and elegant to dense and powerful.

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Tasting notes

Our 2022 Leonardini Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has a violet floral nose with notes of blackberry, layered with paprika and roasted coffee. The palate opens with bright orange zest, giving way to a juicy core. Tart length and rounded, chewy tannins carry through the finish. (Consulting Winemaker Celia Welch)- Winemakers JP Pierce, Jessica Koga, Sean Thompson, Hugh Davies

Reviews

94 Points
From the Leonardini Vineyard, this wine presents a classic nose of blackberry and black cherry, complemented by graphite and vibrant blood orange notes. Outstanding milk chocolate notes envelop a core of juicy cherries. Full-bodied, with impressive length, yet displaying fantastic suppleness of fruit and a generous, inviting character. A truly delicious expression.- Decanter, January 2025
94 Points
All Cabernet Sauvignon from a well-known site behind the Harvest Inn in Saint Helena, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Leonardini Vineyard features black olives, cherries, some dusty earth and loam notes and a hint of vanilla. Matured in 50% new French oak, this is medium to full-bodied, supple and silky, with no sense of coarseness on the gently warming finish.- Wine Advocate, February 2025
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