100-Point Collection of Abreu Vineyards: Single Vineyards in Expert Hands

The man behind the Abreu Vineyards label, Napa Valley native & grape-growing wizard David Abreu, gives this St Helena project its cult status, generated from decades of expertise and hands-on experience with Napa’s top names. The third-generation rancher received a formal education in his craft, graduating from UC Davis and getting his start at Caymus Vineyards in the late 1970s. Abreu pushed his education whenever possible, traveling to Bordeaux to absorb the traditions from standard-bearers in the region, eventually starting his own vineyard management company in 1980. As his reputation grew, Abreu began accruing a stellar resume peppered with the names of Napa’s cherished cult stars – Screaming Eagle, Colgin, Harlan, Bryant, to list a few. As one of the most prized vineyard managers in California, Abreu leaned on his immersive experiences in Napa Valley’s greatest vineyards to build a more complete picture of his legacy with his very own wine label.

 Abreu Vineyards was officially set into motion with the 1987 vintage sourced from his flagship vineyard site, Madrona Ranch, later expanding his portfolio with the additions of Thorevilos, Cappella, and Las Posadas, the latter located in Howell Mountain. With the help of Brad Grimes, former chef turned winemaker, the two earned an enduring cult following and persistent critical acclaim for the Abreu label, giving credence to their somewhat unorthodox methodologies.

 Planted to red Bordeaux varieties, chiefly Cabernet Sauvignon, the four select vineyard sites are co-fermented according to their individual plots, and not separated first by variety, which is standard practice. This approach to site expression harks back to a more classic approach to winemaking and allows for a true snapshot of terroir and vintage. The wines are then treated to lavish time in new French oak and released only after a period of bottle age to ensure ideal maturity upon release. The resulting wines show beautiful integration, balancing natural richness and tannic structure without being flamboyant.

 The single-site wines have been the recipient of many 100-point scores over the years, demonstrating their consistent appeal to critics and wine collectors alike. Madrona Ranch represents their most famous expression, which stands tall with consistent freshness, Cappella produces a more elegant style with refined tannins, Thorevilos is more approachable with a supple fruit profile, and Las Posadas expresses softness for such structured mountain fruit.

Written by: Victoria O'Bryan