Sign In

2016 J. Davies Diamond Mountain Malbec

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

June 22, 2025 - $38

Estimate

RATINGS

94James Suckling

Very vibrant, keenly articulated and concentrated cabernet that offers powerful black cherries and blackberries with dark chocolate and a deep, intense finish.

94Wine Enthusiast

This wine has a supple succulence of black fruit on the midpalate that's accented by earthy, savory spice. Dark cherry and plum take on bolder, concentrated richness as the wine opens, with expansive, grippy tannins lending support.

92Wine Spectator

This sports an intriguing core of loganberry and mulled raspberry flavors, with sassafras, menthol and tea accents weaving throughout. Mulled spice details infuse the seductive finish.

92Jeb Dunnuck

...ample blueberry fruits, spring flowers, and lots of earthy minerality. This medium to full-bodied, balanced, and undeniably delicious Malbec...

16.5Jancis Robinson

Bit of sweet vanilla, plum jam, chocolate and then a top note of dried lavender.

PRODUCER

J. Davies

J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon is made by Schramsberg, one of California’s most venerable and storied producers. Schramsberg was founded in the mid-19th century by Jacob Schram, a German immigrant whose dream was to make wine in California. By 1876 his wines were being shipped throughout the country and winning awards. The property changed hands several times in the 20th century, and was finally purchased in 1965 by Jack and Jamie Davies, a couple determined to produce a sparkling wine that would compete with the best French Champagnes. They succeeded in making such excellent sparkling wine that Schrambserg became the official sparkling wine of the Nixon administration and has been served in the White House ever since. The J. Davies Cab is a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. It is made in very limited quantities and with great care as a tribute to Jack and Jamie Davies. Their son Hugh remains the president and CEO of the company.

REGION

United States, California, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain

Diamond Mountain District AVA is in the Mayacamas Mountains at the northwestern end of Napa Valley. The appellation is relatively high and the entire district is more than 400 feet above sea level. Some vineyards are as high as 2,200 feet above sea level. Because of their altitude, Diamond Mountain vineyards experience warmer days but colder nights than vineyards on the valley floor. Once volcanic soil, the terrain in the appellation has over time become less fertile, making grape growing particularly challenging. Nevertheless the district has attracted wine producers for more than a century. There are 500 vineyard acres out of a total of 5,000 acres. Among the highly regarded wineries here are Lokoya Winery, Diamond Creek Vineyards and Schramsberg Vineyards. Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are generally firmly structured, rich and quite tannic. Chardonnay is full-bodied with apple and peach aromas and firm acidity.

TYPE

Red Wine, Malbec

This grape produces a dark red wine with plenty of tannins. It is one of the six grapes allowed for blending red Bordeaux wines. Malbec is also the flagship variety of Argentina. The grape needs a lot of sun and heat to mature. It adds complexity and intensity to blends.

VINTAGE

2016 J. Davies Diamond Mountain Malbec