Contrary to European vineyards, the USA does not hold family viticultural history as highly as other countries (we’re looking at you France). Ergo, if you have the money, the knowledge and most importantly, the ambition to create a superlative Cabernet Sauvignon from scratch, no one is going to stop you. So David Abreu is something of a rarity in Napa Valley wineries. The third generation to manage his family’s estate, David has a winemaking pedigree that would make even the ????? of ???? take note.

Earning his stripes in nearly all of California’s most renowned vineyards (including Screaming Eagle), David started out his career managing the fields (like his father and grandfather before him). However, David’s passion that one day he would create his own label grew too strong, so in 1986 he purchased the (now famous) 23-acre Madrona Vineyard. Madrona had been planted six years previously, but the poor soil required superior terroir knowledge which only Abreu could provide. 1987 saw his first commercial release, a blend of Bordeaux varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot (Abreu has since planted and added Petit Verdot to the mix). Rave reviews and positive word mouth followed and by 1994, Abreu’s Madrona had a huge cult following. It is interesting to note that nearly all the original staff (including winemaker Brad Grimes) are still working with Abreu, and perhaps one of the key elements to his success.

David's reputation as a consistently focused, meticulous viticulturalist precedes him and as such, his Thorevilos and Madrona Ranch are some of the most sought after wines in the Napa Valley. His simple, common sense approach is refreshing, and this comes out in the flavour of his (surprisingly complex) wine. Naturally, such sophistication comes at a price; as of Q3 2019, his 100-point 2013 Madrona (ageing capacity of at 50 years) was valued at around €700, one of Napa’s finest and safest investable options.