2019 J. Davies Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1 x 750 ml)

The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg and Davies Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its nineteenth vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from the historic Diamond Mountain vineyards they purchased in 1965. The estate vineyards were replanted to Bordeaux varietals beginning in 1994, and the J. Davies Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was first released in 2004 (2001 vintage).

J. Davies Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is the creation of two generations of the Davies family, the product of an intimate knowledge of this property, reflecting their passion to craft delicious red wine. The wine is named in honor of patriarch Jack L. Davies, who along with his wife, Jamie, revived the Schramsberg property and established the preeminent American sparkling wine house 57 years ago.

The vineyard blocks, totaling 46 acres, are laid out in four isolated pockets ranging from 500 to 1000 feet in elevation. They include the two Schram sections, Napa Valleys first hillside vineyards, originally planted in 1862 by Jacob Schram, the McEachran parcel, first planted by Colin McEachran in 1878, and the Claes parcel, dating back to 1984. These are the southernmost vineyards in the Diamond Mountain District AVA. Flanked by two cool creek canyons (Nash Creek to the north and Ritchie Creek to the south) and surrounded by compact coniferous and deciduous forests, the vines here produce late-ripening, richly concentrated fruit with average yields of just two tons per acre.

The 2019 growing season started off with lots of winter rain and cold temperatures. Mild conditions continued throughout the summer with an occasional heat wave allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. The 2019 vintage delivered high quality with relatively large yields, balanced acidity and superb flavors.

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Tasting notes

The 2019 J. Davies Estate Cabernet opens with voluptuous black fruit -- blueberry, black cherry, boysenberry and plum -- accentuated by undertones of chocolate, cinnamon, blackberry compote, espresso, dark cocoa, clove, and subtle herbs. Supple tannins anchor the wine's well-structured palate, with vibrant flavors of red fruit and spice leading to a rich, long finish.- Winemakers Jessica Koga, Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies

Reviews

95 Points
From the Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg. Here they show a deft hand with Cabernet. Fragrant dark berry fruit, sweet liqourice, delicate wile herbs, toffee and espresso bean notes. Supple dark berry and lighter strawberry-rhubarb fruit, baking spices and chicory, all reveal an expressive wine framed by sinewy mountain tannin and rich toasty oak, with flourishes of cacao and purple florals- Decanter, June 2022
94 Points
My favorite of the three 2019 Cabs presented by Davies comes from the estate vineyard on Diamond Mountain. The 2019 J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon86% Cabernet, with 10% Malbec and 2% each Merlot and Petit Verdotfeatures a whirl of complex aromas: mint, bay, cassis and blueberry notes are joined by bits of mocha, dark chocolate and asphalt. There's ripe, creamy texture on the full-bodied palate, which culminates in a long, supple, licorice-tinged finish- Wine Advocate, September 2022
94 Points
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Davies Estate, from the property on Diamond Mountain, is one of the most distinctive wines in this ever growing range. Power and deep, the 2019 is a beautifully layered Cabernet that opens nicely in the glass, showing a compelling mix of dark fruit and more mineral/savory undertones. The Davies Estate is a Cabernet of real stature done in a style that is all about virile intensity- Vinous, January 2022

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