2020 J. Davies Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1 x 3 L)
The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg and Davies Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its twentieh vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from the historic Diamond Mountain property 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). This offering 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 58 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 2020 Napa grape season will be remembered for years to come, but unfortunately for some reasons outside of traditionalmetrics. The winter was moderate and dry, with limited rain to restore groundwater. Budbreak, flowering and fruit set got the season off to a great start; however, once the areas Cabernet Sauvignon was ready to harvest, the area was struck with the devastating Glass Fire. While a small percentage of the 2020 Cabernets had been harvested when the fire started, the remainder of the seasons harvest was lost due to the intense heat and smoke. We are glad that we were able to harvest about 10% of our Cabernet blocks prior to the fire, allowing us to craft this exceptional red wine.
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Tasting notes
This 2020 J. Davies Estate Cabernet Sauvignon reveals an enticing bouquet of black cherry, blueberry, and plum, interlaced with notes of dark chocolate, mocha, cola spice, and crushed herb. The palate is juicy and round on entry. Dense black fruits and raspberry flavors are complemented by nuances of milk chocolate, coffee, nutmeg, and Indian spice. The finish is generous and concentrated, culminating in a long finish with powerful and complex layers.- Winemakers Jessica Koga, Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies
Reviews
94 pointsFrom the Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg, comes this 100% Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the southernmost vineyards in the AVA, flanked by Nash Creek to the north and Ritchie Creek to the south. Yields were small, and the resulting wine is layered and precise. Harmonious aromas of intensely ripe blackberries, spiced plums, and dark chocolate abound, while the full-bodied palate gives way to blackberries, Jamaican rum cake, and currants. The long, concentrated finish is redolent of mulled spices, fragrant wild herbs, and cedar. For all its decadence from ageing 22 months in 58% new French oak, a buoyancy and freshness make this wholly inviting.- Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter, Spring 2023
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