Schramsberg J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards and the J. Davies Estate in Napa Valley, presents its sixth vintage of Davies Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Expanding on knowledge gained through the production of the J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the Diamond Mountain estate, this bottling offers a broader exploration of the Napa Valley. A diverse blend of vineyardsfrom the valley floor to both the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain rangeshas allowed the winemaking team to craft a deliciously layered and balanced 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Blending grapes from an array of vineyards means being able to make a wine of great complexity. Seven vineyards sites from across Napa Valley have come together to craft this Cabernet Sauvignon. Napa Valley vineyards are intentionally farmed to produce low yields which result in vivid, concentrated flavors in the grapes. Weve blended grapes from vineyards in Atlas Peak, Oakville, Rutherford, Saint Helena, Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain and Calistoga to construct a wine with full, ripe fruit flavors, rich texture, and firm structure tempered with supple tannins for extended aging.

The Napa Valley was California's first AVA, or American Viticultural Area, recognized by the U.S. government in 1981. Though just 30 miles long and a few miles wide, Napa Valley is one of the most geologically diverse wine regions in the world. Home to various microclimates, terrain and soils it has a dry Mediterranean climate which is ideal for producing consistent wines from vintage to vintage. This climate provides near perfect growing conditions during the peak growing season with little rainfall and warm summer days but cool nights. Throughout the growing season, the canopy is carefully managed, usually by hand, to ensure optimal fruit development.

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.