2014 Abreu, Cappella, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

JD98 "Deeper, richer and more powerful, the 2014 Capella incorporates the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the lineup and is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec. It reveals classic minerality and earthiness to go with killer notes of blackberries, toasty oak, licorice, and spice. This seductive, opulent, full-bodied beauty has a stacked mid-palate, a deep, layered texture, ripe tannin, perfect balance, and a huge finish. It still plays in the more forward, sexy style of the vintage (it's actually one of the more drinkable releases today, despite having more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend) yet will keep for two to three decades." JD Dec 2017

JS98 "Subtle aromas of flowers, currants, dried shiitake mushrooms and perfumes. Full-bodied, yet polished and very refined. Wonderful length and consistency on the refined and polished palate. Chewy yet elegant tannins. Goes on for minutes. Love the balance and length. Drink in 2020. Blend of cabernet sauvignon (72%), cab franc (18%), petit verdot (8%) and merlot (2%)." JS May 2017

AG97 "The 2014 Cappella is a very sexy, elegant wine. What a joy. Aromatic, vibrant and lifted, the 2014 is captivating right out of the gate. Crushed flowers, small red-toned fruits, cinnamon, mocha and rose petal lift from the glass. Silky tannins extend the long, harmonious finish. More than anything else, I admire the wine's freshness and extraordinary balance." AG for VM Jan 2025

Jeb Dunnuck writes, "David Abreu and superstar winemaker Brad Grimes continue to fashion some of the most powerful, concentrated, yet seamless Bordeaux blends in the Valley. While I couldn’t visit during my trip through the region due to the fire (I tried, but a police barricade got in my way), I was able to taste the 2014s from bottle at my office in Colorado. The estate pulls from four separate vineyards and releases five cuvees; the Rothwell Hyde, Las Posadas, Capella, Thorevilos, and Madrona Ranch. The Rothwell Hyde can be thought of as the entry-level wine based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, with small amounts of Petit Verdot and Malbec, all sourced from the four estate vineyards. Readers looking to experience the quality and style of the estate while note breaking the bank should start here. Purchased in 2000, the 15-acre Las Posadas Vineyard on Howell Mountain sits at an elevation around 2,000 feet above sea level, which puts it above the fog line. This wine is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, but like all the wines here, the blend can vary dramatically between vintages. The Capella Vineyard covers a tiny 6 acres in St. Helena, just west of the town. Of all the cuvees, the Capella normally incorporates the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Thorevilos Vineyard covers 22 acres planted in the white, volcanic ash soils located outside of St. Helena, just above the famous Meadowood Estate. The vines average roughly 25 years in age and this cuvee can include upwards of 30% or more of Cabernet Franc. Lastly, the Madrona Ranch covers 23 acres at the base of Spring Mountain and can be thought of as the home base from this estate. The vineyard is planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc (there are small amounts of Petit Verdot and Merlot), and this wine exemplifies the estate’s style with its mix of power, richness, and elegance. It’s worth noting the blends are never fix for each of the cuvees and change each vintage depending on how everything comes together in each vintage. These are magically wines by Brad Grimes." Published: Dec 29, 2017