2008 J. Davies Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

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.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.