2021 J. Davies Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1 x 3 L)

The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg and Davies Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its twenty-first 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 59 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.

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 J. Davies Estate Cabernet Sauvignon presents a bouquet of brooding black currant, blackberry, cocoa powder, and toasted marshmallow, layered with espresso and anise. A powerful entry on the palate leads to a broad mid-palate of lush black cherry, pomegranate, acai berry and black pepper, which is completed with a velvety, balanced structure and long finish.- Winemakers Sean Thompson, Jessica Koga and Hugh Davies

Reviews

96 points
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon J. Davies Estate comes from a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, all aged 20 months in 60% new barrels. Its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a gorgeous nose of red and black fruit interwoven with notes of chocolaty oak, leafy herbs, and some meaty, iron-like nuances. I love it on the palate as well, and it's incredibly concentrated, with a broad, layered mouthfeel and a great finish. This beauty will cruise for two decades in cold cellars.- Jeb Dunnuck, January 2025
95 Points
From the estate vineyard on Diamond Mountain, the 2021 J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon is a solid effort, kicking off with subtle herbal shadings. Those are followed up by ripe red and black cherries and hints of licorice and dark chocolate. Intricate, complex and ripe, this medium to full-bodied wine is silky across the palate, with some fine, cocoa powder-like tannins on the lingering finish. It's impressive and well-priced for the quality.- Wine Advocate, March 2024
94 Points
A solid, strapping mountain Cab, with a dense core of sappy kirsch, licorice root, ink and blackberry reduction notes, all melded together and backed by the long, well-structured finish. A lingering cast iron echo adds the final piece- Wine Spectator, April 2025

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