98pts Decanter

We look at all the estate Cabernet Sauvignon blocks', says Celia Welch, 'and find maybe our best 810 barrels to keep separate'. Aged for about 30 months in primarily new French oak, this wine offers remarkable silkiness and concentration. Rich black currants, blackberry fruit, and cedarwood spice form a polished core, with layers of pine forest, forest floor, deep currant and kirsch fruit. The tannins are supremely fine and seamlessly integrated after extended time in barrel, finishing with classic caramel and toffee spice notes, along with a hint of dark cocoa, cacao nibs, fig, and pressed wildflowers. It is a wine of both density and freshness wrapped into one generous and utterly delectable package.

97pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2021 J. Davies Jamie comes from the family estate vineyards on Diamond Mountain. Haunting fragrances of sage and violet mark the nose, joined by black cherries and cassis, while the full-bodied palate is wonderfully expansive yet silky, concentrated and flavorful without showing any heaviness or alcoholic heat, despite weighing in at 15.4% alcohol. The finish boasts ample structure and texture, folding in hints of licorice and dried spices. It's an impressive effort from the Davies family and consultant Celia Welch.

96pts Vinous

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Jamie is silky, elegant and super-refined. Crushed red berry fruit, spice, blood orange, mint and a kiss of French oak are all beautifully delineated. The Jamie emerges from a selection of blocks in the Diamond Mountain estate vineyard. This sleek, racy Cabernet Sauvignon is a winner.

94pts James Suckling

This powerful, polished, deeply flavorful red echoes the old-school style of Napa cabernet in its deep black-cherry, black-olive and herbal overtones, but it wraps them in a fashionably luxurious texture and very full body. Dark chocolate, vanilla bean, sweet cherries, baked plums and creme de cassis.

94pts Jeb Dunnuck

Coming from the Diamond Mountain estate vineyard, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Jamie is inky hued and has a powerful nose of ripe black fruits, asphalt, melted licorice, liquid violets, and iron-like nuances. Based on 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot, aged 28 months in 77% new French oak, this rich, powerful, meaty Cabernet is full-bodied, with a layered, elegant mouthfeel, ripe, building, polished tannins, and outstanding length. It brings serious ripeness yet stays lively and pure and should keep for 15+ years if well stored. Drink 2027-2042.

Tasting Notes

Our 2021 Jamie opens with aromas of black cherry and dark fruit, warmed by blackberry cobbler and caramel. Hints of espresso and cigar box add depth. The palate starts with cinnamon spice, while the core is dense and plush with ripe, black fruit. It has attractive, peppery tannins and a creamy finish.

About the Wine

The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg and Davies Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents the ninth vintage of the J. Davies Estate "Jamie", the finest Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from their historic Diamond Mountain vineyard property. Bearing her signature, this wine is named in honor of Schramsbergs matriarch, the late Jamie Davies. Along with her husband Jack, she revived the Schramsberg property in 1965 with an inspired vision of crafting world-class American sparkling wines. Five decades later a second generation of the Davies family, led by son Hugh and his wife Monique, have taken on the additional challenge of producing extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon from vines grown on the familys hillside property. They are proud to release the J. Davies Estate Jamie Cabernet Sauvignon, representing the pinnacle of an endeavor that spans 60 years.

Winery Notes

After Jack and Jamie Davies revived the historic Schramsberg property in Napa Valley, their son, Hugh Davies, initiated a red wine program using the family’s
estate vineyards on Diamond Mountain. Starting in the 1990s, Hugh undertook the replanting of the home property to red Bordeaux varietals leading to the J. Davies Cabernet program; he later partnered with North Coast growers to launch Davies Vineyards Pinot Noirs.

Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot