2022 "McGrath Vineyard" Cabernet (1 x 750 ml)

The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards and J. Davies Estate in Napa Valley, presents its second bottling of the McGrath Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the St. Helena District. Building upon its Cabernet Sauvignon experience with its home property on Diamond Mountain since 2001, and a broad range of other Napa Valley sites since 2012, the Davies team started with McGrath in 2021. Second-generation Vintner Hugh Davies, Head Winemaker Sean Thompson and Consultant Celia Welch have collaborated well together since 2008 in crafting Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, and they are very proud to present this unique vineyard-designate bottling from the 2022 vintage.

Situated on the western side of St. Helena, the McGrath Vineyard benefits from the regions warm climate and ample sunlight, balanced by refreshing cool evenings. Characterized by rocky, well-drained soils predominantly composed of bale loam and river wash, this 3.5-acre vineyard was established in 2001. The McGrath and Davies families relationship dates back to the 1960s when Joe McGrath and Hugh Davies grew up as neighbors on Diamond Mountain.

The 2022 vintage began with over 20 inches of rain from October to December, followed by mostly dry conditions from January to March. After a frosty spring and some hail events, we welcomed a warmer summer. A record-breaking September heat wave kicked harvest into full swing. This distinctive weather pattern contributed to the diverse flavor profile for which Napa Valley cabernets are celebrated, ranging from vibrant and elegant to dense and powerful.

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Tasting notes

Our 2022 McGrath Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is dark fruited on the nose, accented by cracked black pepper and cocoa powder. Its youthful palate has mouthwatering acidity, with flavors of candied raspberry and roasted coffee. Sour cherry rounds out the finish. (Consulting Winemaker Celia Welch)- Winemakers JP Pierce, Jessica Koga, Sean Thompson, Hugh Davies

Reviews

95 Points
The McGrath Vineyard sits near the Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard in St. Helena, and as such, it leads with a fragrant mineral pop, like the dust of pulverised river stones. Alongside that comes black cherry and blackberry fruit, accented by cedarwood spice. Full-bodied, with plenty of tannin structure and layers of mulberry, all balanced by wonderful freshness.- Decanter, January 2025
94+ Points
From a site near Beckstoffer's Las Piedras on the western side of St Helena, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon McGrath Vineyard features complex aromas of black cherries, crushed stone, black olives and licoricean intriguing mix of fruity, stony, savory and spicy. It's full-bodied and supple, boasting reasonably fine-grained tannins in the context of the 2022 vintage, with a long, stony finish.- Wine Advocate, February 2025
93 Points
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon McGrath Vineyard is a bold, punchy wine. Bright red/purplish fruit, sweet spice, orange peel, mint and vanillin all meld together. This open-knit St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon offers tons of immediacy. Plush contours wrap it all together.- Vinous, December 2024

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