“Early on, it was all about the vineyards,” asserts David Abreu. As a third generation California rancher, Abreu’s playground growing up was the Napa Valley. This is also where he learned the skill and art of wine growing. He developed an understanding of what makes one vineyard produce great wines, while another’s is just good. His expertise was then honed over a long career managing vineyards for some of the most iconic properties in Napa, including Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, Pahlmeyer, Araujo Estate, and Bryant, to name a few. His involvement in the viticulture aspect of wine growing in the region has been instrumental in improving the quality of wines, raising the bar to another level.

It wasn’t until 1986 when Abreu experimented with his own property of Madrona Ranch, on the eastern edge of the Mayacamas Mountains in St. Helena. He had heard that the first vintage could either make or break a winemaker; however, this did not deter his efforts. The 1986 vintage in fact did not yield a successful product, to which he decided not to sell. He remained committed and in 1987 reaped the reward as it would become his first successful vintage and worthy of being sold.

In the beginning, he would leave bottles at restaurants, encouraging them to drink them with staff and if they liked what they tasted to give him a call. Many questioned his approach and what little success he might expect. However, his understanding of the vineyards, the soil and the fruit allowed him to prosper and began carving his own path. As the years progressed, so did the quality of the land and ultimately his wines. By word of mouth from winemakers and tasters in the Napa area, Abreu Vineyards began to gain traction. After a successful 1994 vintage Abreu was awarded instant popularity with wine lovers when famed wine taster, Robert Parker honored his Madrona Ranch with enthusiastic praise.

Today, Abreu operates four spectacular up-valley vineyards, with each yielding the respective fruit for each label designation. The vineyards of Madrona Ranch and Cappella reside in St. Helena on the valley floor which are relatively close to each other, with less than a mile between them. Las Posadas Howell Mountain is nestled on a hillside of Howell Mountain and Thorevilos (now called Ecotone Vineyard) just below it. David Abreu was the vineyard architect, vineyard manager and oversaw the planting of vines for all four sites.

The 70 acres of prime real estate are planted with Bordeaux varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and a small amount of Petit Verdot. Each single vineyard bottling has its own unique blend of varietal and soil structure which helps define the strong individual characteristics of each. In 2015 a fifth wine, Rothwell Hyde Napa Valley Red Wine, came to fruition which is an intimate reflection of the four vineyards. It encompasses the rich terroir, grape varietals, and characteristics of each vineyard.

The wine making process is led by chief winemaker, Brad Grimes, who implements early morning grape harvesting while the temperature is cooler. The fruit is diligently sorted twice prior to fermentation. The different grape varieties are then fermented together, which is a rare practice in the wine world. The wines age in 100% new French oak barrels for two years and then another two in bottle prior to release. Annual production for Abreu is rather limited with only about 500 cases produced. Though primarily allocated to a dedicated list of members, the wines have found their way to the secondary market where enthusiasts and collectors greedily seize any available bottles.

From the valley floor of St. Helena to the lofty Howell Mountains where the vines hang high above the fog line, the wines produced here are a true testament to the micro climate, terroir and the determined efforts of a master vineyard manager with a vision for cultivating tremendous wines from spectacular vineyards. David Abreu has planted his way to greatness and has stamped his name on the Napa Valley wine list of highly sought after, iconic estates

98 points Wine Advocate

The 2010 Madrona Ranch, which David Abreu told me he crop-thinned by at least 50%, is a more backward, tannic, brooding wine at present. An inky/purple color and lots of baking spice, espresso, black and blue fruits, and hints of graphite and toast emerge from this wine as well as formidable tannins in the finish. However, the tannins are sweet and well-integrated in this big, blockbuster effort. (RP) (10/2013)

98 points Vinous

Abreu's 2010 Madrona Ranch dazzles with its intensity and extraordinary overall balance. Menthol, new leather, tobacco, cedar and earthy notes are all backed up by serious power. The 2010 is explosive on the palate -as so many 2010s are - yet the tannins are remarkably polished for a young wine with this much structure. A creamy, deeply resonant finish rounds things out in this stunning red from Madrona Ranch. (AG) 98+ (11/2013)