2008 Abreu Cappella

The 2008 Cappella bursts onto the palate with black cherries, smoke, menthol and licorice. This is a decidedly powerful, tannic Cappella that is going to need quite a bit of bottle age. Layers of fruit build effortlessly to the intense, deeply expressive finish. With time in the glass, the wine's potential becomes quite evident.

The 2008 Cappella bursts onto the palate with black cherries, smoke, menthol and licorice. This is a decidedly powerful, tannic Cappella that is going to need quite a bit of bottle age. Layers of fruit build effortlessly to the intense, deeply expressive finish. With time in the glass, the wine’s potential becomes quite evident. In 2008 Cappella is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 4% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033+. (Not yet released) I stopped by Abreu twice this fall. The first time I tasted the 2008s, 2009s and 2010s. The second time I watched the work on the sorting table and tasted a few 2011s from tank. Both tastings left a deep impression. Brad Grimes is one of the most brilliant winemakers in Napa Valley. He seems guided by a sense of intuition married to experience rather than the more technical approach that is quite common throughout the Valley. Co-fermentations are quite common. Grimes isn’t going to lose any sleep if a few jack stems make it into the fermentation tanks. The winery itself is as immaculate as it could possibly be. Simply put, these are some of the most beautiful wines being made in Napa Valley today. The 2008s are big and massively tannic, while the 2009s are much more sexy and silky. The 2010s combine intense, rich fruit and huge tannins. All three vintages are exceptional, but my preference is for 2009 and 2010. Incidentally, two of the greatest wines I tasted this year were the 2001 Madrona Ranch and Thorevilos, both of which remain infants. Fax (707) 963-5104

Abreu’s 2008 Cappella is in a gorgeous spot for drinking now, as the aromatics are starting to show the first signs of early maturity. Espresso, mocha, black cherry and leather notes give the wine its dark, somewhat brooding character. The 2008 is an especially somber wine with notable depth. Heavy torrefaction and grilled herb notes give the wine its attractive aromatic top notes and a Graves-like savoriness that is quite attractive. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 4% Merlot.