Abreu Madrona Ranch - Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa County 2012

David Abreu's vinous roots are undoubtedly to be sought at Madrona Ranch, which was the first field he fell in love with and developed from scratch back in the 1980s. The area contains significant height differences, and the field itself winds through the valley with many changes in soil and exposure directions. It provides exceptionally varied soil conditions with Aiken soil of volcanic origin, white tuff, clay and bedrock. Such a complex soil is very demanding to grow wine on, but David Abreu has succeeded in turning this difference into a significant advantage. Madrona Ranch Cabernet has a unique complexity that is achieved by harvesting small quantities of the grapes over many rounds and allowing the harvest period to extend over a long period of time so that the ripeness is optimal on all the soil types.

David Abreu focuses almost exclusively on delivering single-field wines, where it is about having the largest possible selection of cuvées, so that you can produce the desired wine style year after year. Usually different grape varieties are used, but Madrona Ranch's great geological and climatic differences automatically give David Abreu and Brad Grimes all the strings to play on that any winemaker could dream of.

Year after year, Madrona Ranch also delivers top wines, and again in 2012 it reached the magical three-digit Parker score. It has the classic aroma picture with blackberries, Crème de Cassis blackcurrants and is added a touch of licorice, black truffle and graphite. It is almost unbelievably fragrant and with its extreme fullness and richness of extract it contains all the sumptuous tannin you could wish for. It is a thoroughly astonishing wine, the result of a singularly successful effort by Abreu and Grimes. The wine consists predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon, but 35 percent Cabernet Franc plus a small amount of Petit Verdot has been added. 100 points.

100 points - Robert Parker
The perfect 2012 Madrona Ranch displays notes of roasted coffee, forest floor, incense, Christmas fruitcake, blackcurrants and blackberry fruit in an incredibly fragrant, full-bodied, opulent style. Far more dramatic and open-knit Capella, the 2012 Madrona is super-intense, with incredibly velvety tannins. This is a sublime wine of the highest order, a fabulous example of the vintage, and a tribute to the craftsmanship of David Abreu and Brad Grimes. It should drink well for 30+ years.

"Kudos to David Abreu and Brad Grimes, not only for their obsessive perfectionist work in the vineyards, but for producing wines as unmanipulated, pure and world-class as money can buy." - Robert Parker

100 points - Jeb Dunnuck
One of those rare, heavenly wines we're lucky to be able to taste and drink, the 2012 Madrona Ranch is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon yet has a big chunk of Cabernet Franc (45%) and 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot. It offers an incredible perfume of crème de cassis, spring flowers, liquid violets, spice and tobacco that continues to change and develop with time in the glass. Powerful and full-bodied, yet seamless and elegant, it has sweet, polished tannin, an opulent, weightless texture, and a finish that won't quit. It's already impossible to resist yet will keep for three decades or more.

100 points - Vinous
One of the many highlights in this tasting, the 2012 Madrona Ranch is a real stunner. Bright, nuanced and lively, the 2012 exudes freshness. Blood orange, sweet red berries, mint, cinnamon and a host of bright notes grace the palate. Exquisite, subtle and beautifully nuanced, the 2012 has everything going on. Best of all, the 2012 won't require much cellaring. In 2012, the Madrona Ranch is 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot.