2001 Abreu - Madrona Ranch Cabernet (750ml)

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While I am not surprised that the 2001 Thorevilos turned out to be perfect, the 2001 Madrona Ranch was more of an eye-opener in that it has become even more extraordinary than I predicted eight years ago. A prodigious wine, with complex notes of subtle barbecue smoke intermixed with blueberry pie, black currant liqueur, acacia flowers, lead pencil shavings, and sweet foresty floor notes, this wine builds incrementally with layer upon layer of fruit, glycerin and concentration. The finish goes well past a minute, and the wine is full-bodied and deep, with wonderfully sweet tannin. It is still an adolescent in terms of its total evolution, but it is irresistible simply because of the flawless nature of the wine and incredible perfume and flavor intensity. Simply amazing! Both of these wines are adolescents, and probably won't peak for another 5-8 years and keep for 30-40. - WA, RP (6/2011) The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch is still an infant, but wow, what upside potential it possesses! A provocative inky/purple color is accompanied by a sumptuous perfume of flowers, wood smoke, licorice, tobacco, blackberries, and cassis. Full-bodied, with perfect harmony, extraordinary concentration, and a 60+ second finish, it should be at its peak between 2011-2030+. ?This is an irrefutable blue chip superstar, but, sadly, the small production is all sold via a mailing list. David Abreu, the first-rate viticulturist to many of Napa Valley's best run vineyards, is an uncompromising perfectionist whose "take-no-prisoners" policy and demanding formula for producing top quality fruit does not always sit well with some. However, if readers are looking for great wines, David Abreu is the real deal. Longtime readers know that I have long regarded his wines as monumental examples of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Abreu has not endured a bad vintage to date, and even his off years are better than most winemakers' top years. - RP

Abreu's 21 Madrona Ranch took us into the stratosphere with its super-expressive dark red fruit, floral aromatics and stunning overall balance. There are few Napa Valley Cabernets I would rather drink than those of David Abreu and Brad Grimes. I have been lucky to have the 21 a number of times. It has never been anything less than stellar.- Antonio Galloni (11/23)