2023 J. Davies "jd" Cabernet Sauvignon (1x750 ml)

The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards and the J. Davies Vineyards in the Napa Valley, presents its seventeenth 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 familys hillside property. Vibrant and approachable as a young wine, the medium-bodied jd is carefully blended from select barrels by our winemaking team and released after two and a half 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 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 2023 Napa Valley vintage is being hailed as one of the best in recent memory. After multiple years of drought, we finally had generous winter rainfall followed by a long, mild growing season. The cooler summer allowed for extended hang time and a much later-than-usual harvest. Higher than average yields resulted in vibrant, fresh, and elegant wines.

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Tasting notes

Our 2023 jd Estate Cabernet Sauvignon features aromas of fragrant blackberry bramble and red cherry, layered with notes of fresh mint and herb. A soft, plushy entry opens on the palate with flavors of bittersweet chocolate and ripe açaí fruit, supported by juicy, vibrant acid and attractive density. The finish is structured with good tannin tension and a supple espresso-crema nuance. (Consulting Winemaker Celia Welch)- Winemakers JP Pierce, Jessica Koga, Sean Thompson, Hugh Davies

Reviews

93 Points
Aromas of blackberries, cassis, dark plums, crushed rocks, herbs, graphite and spices. The palate is full-bodied and compact, showing concentrated dark fruit, firm tannins and bright acidity that give tension and shape. Made from 78% cabernet sauvignon, 18% malbec, 2% petit verdot, 1% merlot and 1% cabernet franc.- James Suckling, February 2026
93 Points
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon JD is an estate-grown blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% each Cabernet Franc and Merlot. It spent 22 months in 64% new French oak. Marked by a unique bay leaf, anise and gently lifted character, it also offers up plenty of cassis and blueberry fruit. Full-bodied, plush and creamy, it's not hugely concentrated but is supple and easy to drink, with enough structure to support a decade's worth of cellaring. In an overheated world of Napa Cabernet pricing, it's a relative value. 600 cases produced.- Wine Advocate, May 2026
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