DAVIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON DIAMOND MT 2019

Diamond Mountain's southernmost estate is also its oldest — the J. Davies vineyard traces back to Jacob Schram's 1862 hillside plantings, making it among the first hillside vineyards in all of Napa. The property was replanted to Bordeaux varieties beginning in 1994, after the Davies family realized the volcanic ash, decomposed red sedimentary rock, and quick-draining hillside soils between 500 and 1,000 feet of elevation were better suited to Cabernet than to sparkling wine grapes. The 2019 is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, and 6% Petit Verdot, aged 22 months in 62% new French oak. Cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate, and bay leaf on the nose; full-bodied palate with creamy texture and a licorice-tinged finish.