Buying options

Tasting notes

Tasting notes
Score 96/100 · Drink 2020-2046, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, Oct 2018

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cappella Proprietary Red has gregarious scents of blueberry compote, preserved plums and blackberry with a gorgeous exotic spice undercurrent of star anise, cassia and cardamom with wafts of cigar box and smoked meats. The palate is full-bodied, firm and grainy with a gorgeous core of generous black fruit preserves and loads of spicy accents, finishing long and layered.

Critic scores

Critic scores
96
96/100

Average Score

96
96/100

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate

96
96/100

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

More reviews and scores

96 points
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
Score 96/100 · Drink 2020-2046, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, Oct 2018

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96 points
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Score 96/100 · Drink 2022-2034, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Jan 2018

The 2014 Cappella is gorgeous. Dark and mysterious in its shading, the 2014 is quite a bit darker and deeper than it usually is, with an almost somber tonality to its fruit and overall feel. Mocha, plum and spice develop in the glass, but the 2014 is really about texture at this stage. I love the breadth and expansiveness here. The 2014 is one of the most alluring Cappella's I can remember tasting.

98 points
Jeb Dunnuck
Score 98/100 · Drink 2018-2048, Jeb Dunnuck, Dec 2017

Deeper, richer and more powerful, the 2014 Cappella 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. 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, Cappella, 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 Cappella Vineyard covers a tiny 6 acres in St. Helena, just west of the town. Of all the cuvees, the Cappella 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.

About the producer

Abreu Vineyards
View Producer

Product details

Grape Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Colour

Red

Taste

Dry

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