Wine Advisor
Abreu, Cappella 2010
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2010 Cappella opens with expressive, savory tobacco, grilled herb, menthol and espresso notes, all typical of Cabernet Franc. Rich, layered and beautifully nuanced, the 2010 impresses for its depth and dark, intense fruit. Today, the 2010 comes across as tightly wound and not as expressive as it was from barrel, something that is typical of the vintage here. The 2010 is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot, all planted on St. George rootstock.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2010 Proprietary Red Cappella is surprisingly open today. The fruit is quite a bit darker and richer than in the 2009. Tar, graphite, mocha and espresso are some of the many notes that develop as the wine sits in the glass. There is plenty of 2010 energy and tension in the glass. It is a treat to catch the Cappella at this deeply expressive phase in its life. Though quite rich and sumptuous, the 2010 will need several years in bottle at a minimum to fully show those qualities. The 2010 is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2010 Cappella impresses for its depth and complexity. A higher-toned register replete with white floral notes adds considerable refinement. Blackberries, cassis, spices and dark fruit are some of the notes that take shape in the glass. The 2010 is articulate and beautifully defined from the taste. A last blast of fruit saturates the palate on the finish. This is a hugely promising wine from David Abreu and Brad Grimes.
About the Producer
Abreu's label concentrates exclusively on estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon blends. Distribution is limited and sold primarily to members on their direct mailing list. A number of online retailers offer Abreu Vineyards wine, from unknown sources, with prices ranging from $400 to $800 or more per 750ml. In 1998 wine critic Robert Parker included Abreu in his list of the "most influential wine personalities of the last 20 years".Parker awarded the 1997 Madrona Ranch cabernet a 100-point score, one of only 140 wines in the world to receive the honour. As of the 2013 vintage, Abreu Vineyards holds nine 100-point scores from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. In the "Judgment of Sauternes" of October 2006, the 1995 vintage Cabernet blend was judged the winner among Cabernet-Merlot blends from Bordeaux and California, 16 each, in a blind tasting arranged by the Grand Jury Européen. The 1999 production was 500 cases (45.000 hL; 1,188.774 U.S. gal). In the late 1990s, Abreu and Forman jointly leased and planted the 20-acre (8.1 ha) Thorevilos Vineyard. They released Abreu's first cabernet from that vineyard in 2000.
