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J. Davies Black cherry and bramble-berry combine with sweet tobacco, mulled spice, and cassis bark on the aromas. Rich volume, full extraction and substantial tannins are evident on the palate. Elegance and complexity with a deep dark berry structure characterize this serious Diamond Mountain hillside wine. While showing purity of fruit from this southernmost vineyard on Diamond Mountain, it's still remains softer than most hillside wines, which is a tribute to the special terroir here on the Schramsberg estate, and the capable hands of the winemakers. This Bordeaux blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, and 8% Petit Verdot was aged in 78% new and 22% used French oak barrels for just over 22 months. This is nearly four months more than previous vintages. Additionally, this wonderful fifth vintage has been allowed six more months in bottle to blend and mature even more gracefully. Estate grown, produced and bottled here on the Schramsberg property, the wine has become a true expression of our Diamond Mountain hillside vineyards. Wine Spectator Ripe and fleshy, with a zesty core of red and black cherry, currant and cranberry notes that are pure and focused, showing a dusty, mineraly edge and ending with nicely structured tannins. Tempting now. Decant. Best from 2010 through 2017. Score: 91 - James Laube, October 31, 2008.
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| Type | Red | | Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot
| | Vintage | 2005 | | Bottle size | 750mL | | Alcohol content | 14.6% | | Appellation | California – Napa Valley - Diamond Mountain
| | Wine Advocate | --
| | Wine Enthusiast | --
| | Wine Spectator | 91 | | Other | n/a |
The Story
Jack and Jamie Davies were determined to seek out a simpler,
more meaningful life for themselves and their family. In 1965, after a yearlong
search for hillside property in the Napa Valley, they discovered a run-down
winery on the mountainside above St. Helena. The historic Schramsberg property
had been abandoned for years, but the Davies were looking for a challenge and
the spirit of its founder was strong and compelling. The antique Victorian
mansion presided over the tangled remains of once stately gardens and the
gaping entrance to underground cellars. There could be no question in their
minds that this was the challenge they sought, this was the place. On that day
they decided Schramsberg would be brought back to life.
The Davies had an ambition to make wine, but not just any
wine. They were setting out to produce sparkling wine – specifically,
"America's most prestigious, select and admired sparkling wine; chosen for
special guests, special gifts, pampering one's self and expressing one's taste
in unique products." It was a lofty goal. They saw the challenge of
producing sparkling wine in the United States as a need to change ingrained mindsets.
To many Americans, sparkling wines were just bubbles and not granted the
prestige given to the revered Burgundies and Bordeaux, indeed, in the
mid-sixties, any wine produced outside France. They intended to create wine
with richness and complexity. They envisioned their sparkling wines, fermented
in the authentic Méthode Champenoise, as expressive as any of the great
Champagnes – delicate, yet possessing distinct individuality and style.
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Product #1183161
750mL
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