2017 J. Davies "jd" Cabernet Sauvignon (1 x 750 ml)

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The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its twelfth vintage of J. Davies Estate "jd" Cabernet Sauvignon. Like its companion J. Davies Estate bottlings, this red wine is crafted solely from the densely flavored, richly structured fruit grown on the family's hillside property. Following the blending of J. Davies, winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies carefully select from the remaining barrels of wine to craft this offering. Vibrant and approachable as a young wine, the medium-bodied "jd" is released after two years of aging. Bearing the initials of Jack Davies, who along with his wife, Jamie, revived the historic Schramsberg winery property in 1965, it is the product of an intimate knowledge of this place, and a passion to create delicious Cabernet Sauvignon.

The vineyard blocks, totaling 41 acres, are laid out in three isolated pockets ranging from 500 to 1000 feet in elevation. They include the two Schram sections, Napa Valley's first hillside vineyards, originally established in 1862 by Jacob Schram, and the McEachran parcel, which was first planted by Colin McEachran in 1878. 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.

For the 2017 vintage, abundant winter rains prior to the growing season helped recharge reservoirs and groundwater. Spring weather was cool to mild, with increased vine vigor and extended flowering in some areas. Over Labor Day weekend, high temperatures kicked harvest into high gear until mid-September, when cooler weather arrived giving red varieties extra hang time.

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Tasting notes

Aromas of raspberry, black plum and mountain sage are accentuated by cocoa powder, cinnamon and milk chocolate. The palateâs lush entry of cherry and plum precedes a creamy mid-palate. A juicy center of blackberry compote is infused with a hint of nutmeg, culminating with a finish of integrated tannins.- Winemakers Sean Thompson, Celia Welch & Hugh Davies

Reviews

95 Points
From the mighty mountain estate, this is blended with 17% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot. Impressively structured, complex and elegant, it shows well-integrated depth and breadth, richly layered in blueberry and blackberry flavors that are dusted in cocoa powder and nutmeg.- Wine Enthusiast (Advanced Buying Guide August 2020)
92 Points
A very floral nose with cedar and red berries in abundance, as well as notes of espresso-laced oak and fresh mulberries. The palate has a wealth of ripe, blueberry and plum flavors and quite a dense tannin core.- James Suckling (January 2020)
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