2022 "Red Cap Vineyard" Cabernet (1 X 750 ML)

The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards and Davies Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its ninth bottling of the Red Cap Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the Howell Mountain 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 the valleys eastern Vaca Range. 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.

Red Cap Vineyard, planted in 2003 and farmed sustainably by the Altemus family, is located near the summit of Howell Mountain at an elevation of 1,900 feet. At this location, the Aiken loam and red rocky volcanic soils provide great root support and drainage. These mountain soils produce smaller berries with higher skin to juice ratio, deepening the color of the wine while increasing tannins. Howell Mountain is known for powerful tannins, however our winemaking team skillfully extracts just enough to produce a wine with rounded and balanced structure. Red Caps position above the fog line affords it a broad temperature range throughout the day. When compared to the valley floor, evening temperatures are warmer and daytime temperatures are cooler, which supports greater acid retention within the grapes. This combination of soil and environmental conditions leads to an extraordinary site for growing delicious Cabernet Sauvignon.

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 Red Cap Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon features aromas of cranberry and black cherry, with herbal notes of wild sage and rosemary. A touch of oak spice lingers delicately. The palate has a compact entry of sour cherry, with juicy, structured acidity. The finish picks up hints of cinnamon spice. (Consulting Winemaker Celia Welch)- Winemakers JP Pierce, Jessica Koga, Sean Thompson, Hugh Davies

Reviews

95 Points
The Red Cap Vineyard on Howell Mountain. The nose is subtle, revealing black cherry, cherry pit, and loamy earth, with toasty cedarwood and a hint of clove. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, showcasing pure dark cherry and spiced plum fruit, supported by firm, chocolatey tannins and a delicate kiss of blood orange on the finish.- Decanter, January 2025
95 Points
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Cap Vineyard comes from a site on Howell Mountain, so it is no surprise that it boasts hints of pine on the nose alongside cherries, pencil shavings and stone fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, supple, silky and elegant, with fine-grained tannins framing the long, anise-inflected finish. Given the quality, it's a great value for Howell Mountain.- Wine Advocate, February 2025
94 Points
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Cap Vineyard is bright, powerful and incisive, as wines from Howell Mountain so often are. Beams of supporting tannin give this mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon a good bit of energy. Blood orange, mint, chalk, white pepper and crushed rocks all cut through a core of vibrant red-toned fruit. There's certainly a lot to like here.- Vinous, December 2024

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