Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker, September 2022 - 94P: From a 5.5-acre vineyard most recently replanted in 2000 on the west side of St. Helena, Abreu's 2016 Cappella Proprietary Red boasts gentle cedar and vanilla notes overlaid on cinnamon-dusted cherries. It's full-bodied, warm, rich and dense—even a bit fudge-like—on the palate, but there's also a sense of zesty brightness on the lingering finish to provide a sense of balance. I'm not sure why, but it had been a few years since a Wine Advocate reviewer had visited Abreu's winery to taste through the impressive lineup of red wines. Winemaker Brad Grimes has been with Abreu since the 2000 vintage, and he met me at the unobtrusive entrance to the caves behind Cliff Lede. With three vintages of the four single-vineyard wines to taste, I was glad not to have any visits scheduled later, as the wines were a pleasure to go through.For those who might not be familiar with the story, David Abreu is one of the premier vineyard managers in Napa Valley. Along the way, he has acquired or developed relationships with several significant vineyard sites, and from 2016 to 2018 bottled four single-vineyard wines. I also tasted the 2019 Rothwell Hyde, which is a blend assembled from barrels that don't fit the single-vineyard profiles.Madrona Ranch is home base for Abreu, and it's the first of these properties he acquired. Driving through, one notices the profusion of animals, farm equipment, riding ring, and soccer pitch—and grapevines—at the base of Spring Mountain. Capella isn't far away, also on the western side of St. Helena. Across the valley, Las Posadas is the highest of Abreu's four single vineyards, situated above the Howell Mountain fog line at 2,000 feet above sea level. Thorevilos, which Abreu doesn't own, has been renamed Ecotone, and it's my understanding that Abreu won't produce it going forward. Like Las Posadas, it's also on the eastern side of the valley, too far east to be considered St. Helena but not high enough in elevation to fall within the borders of the Howell Mountain AVA.Not originally a winemaker, Grimes operates intuitively. "I'm not an enologist," he said. "I just let the wine be the wine."These are rich, concentrated and often sumptuous Cabernet-based blends, each one worthy of serious interest. To say I was blown away would be putting it mildly. Production is very limited, so readers interested in acquiring these gems should sign up for the waiting list for an allocation, or be prepared to pay a premium on the secondary market. Antonio Galloni, September 2019 - 98P: The 2016 Cappella is delicate, elegant and super-refined. Bright floral and spice notes perk up a core of red cherry and plum fruit in a fine, silky wine that speaks to pure refinement. A wine of total grace and finesse, Cappella is absolutely gorgeous in 2016. It is also one of the most polished and nuanced wines I have ever tasted here. General information: Abreu Vineyards is a renowned winery in Napa Valley, California, founded by viticulturist David Abreu. Here are some key details about this esteemed producer: Background and History David Abreu, a third-generation Napa Valley native, grew up working in the region's vineyards. After graduating from the University of California Davis with a degree in Viticulture and Enology, he founded David Abreu Vineyard Management, Inc. in 1980. The first commercial vintage of Abreu wine was produced in 1987 from the Madrona Ranch vineyard. Vineyards and Wines Abreu Vineyards produces wines from four exceptional vineyard sites: Madrona Ranch: Located in St. Helena, this was the first vineyard in the Abreu portfolio, developed in 1980.2. Cappella: Also situated in St. Helena, within a mile of Madrona Ranch.3. Thorevilos: A hillside vineyard just below Howell Mountain.4. Las Posadas: Located on Howell Mountain. The wines are primarily Bordeaux-style blends, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon with varying percentages of other Bordeaux varieties[8]. Winemaking Approach Abreu's winemaking philosophy emphasizes: - Meticulous vineyard management and site selection- Co-fermentation of different grape varieties from individual plots- Extensive aging in new French oak barrels.- Limited production, with only about 12,000 bottles produced annually. Recognition and Reputation Abreu Vineyards has gained a cult following and consistent critical acclaim. David Abreu is also known for his work as a viticulturist for many prestigious Napa Valley wineries, including Harlan, Colgin, and Screaming Eagle. Current Operations The winery is run by David Abreu along with winemaker Brad Grimes, a former chef. Their commitment to quality and unique approach to winemaking have established Abreu Vineyards as one of the most sought-after producers in Napa Valley.
