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The October 2026 Auction: Part 5
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1 / 2Lot 460
Estimate: $425
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Collection name
Reviews
98+WA
"The 2019 Thorevilos Proprietary Red features cedar shavings set against a backdrop of dark chocolate, cassis and plum. Despite the evident ripeness, this full-bodied wine is fascinatingly tight and silky in feel, seemingly keeping ample charms in reserve. It finishes long and licorice-laden, with terrific drive and energy. The seemingly always laid-back Brad Grimes is virtually a one-man show at the Abreu winery. Built under a small knoll behind Cliff Lede, this tiny tunnel winery seems to fit Grimes and the limited production from Abreu's own vineyards perfectly, outfitted with a multitude of small tanks and plenty of vinyl listening options. The soft-spoken Grimes has the assuredness of a winemaker who knows his wines are good and, for the most part, lets the wines do the talking, but he did say, "I don't remember one difficult day in 2019. There were no dogs. Every single ferment was a winner. The way the wines came together was effortless." Grimes says the 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2023 are all great vintages in his estimation. Of course, they're also all different, and as a taster, I find my preferences among the wines on offer at Abreu vary a bit from year to year. There's not a particular wine that's always "the best," at least not to me; they are all great, with some reaching unimpeachable heights. Most of the production appears to be sold direct via the winery's mailing list, but there are some Napa Valley restaurants that regularly offer the wines on their lists; so, there is at least the theoretical possibility of tasting the wines before committing."
Region
Red
Country
Score
"The 2019 Thorevilos Proprietary Red features cedar shavings set against a backdrop of dark chocolate, cassis and plum. Despite the evident ripeness, this full-bodied wine is fascinatingly tight and silky in feel, seemingly keeping ample charms in reserve. It finishes long and licorice-laden, with terrific drive and energy. The seemingly always laid-back Brad Grimes is virtually a one-man show at the Abreu winery. Built under a small knoll behind Cliff Lede, this tiny tunnel winery seems to fit Grimes and the limited production from Abreu's own vineyards perfectly, outfitted with a multitude of small tanks and plenty of vinyl listening options. The soft-spoken Grimes has the assuredness of a winemaker who knows his wines are good and, for the most part, lets the wines do the talking, but he did say, "I don't remember one difficult day in 2019. There were no dogs. Every single ferment was a winner. The way the wines came together was effortless." Grimes says the 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2023 are all great vintages in his estimation. Of course, they're also all different, and as a taster, I find my preferences among the wines on offer at Abreu vary a bit from year to year. There's not a particular wine that's always "the best," at least not to me; they are all great, with some reaching unimpeachable heights. Most of the production appears to be sold direct via the winery's mailing list, but there are some Napa Valley restaurants that regularly offer the wines on their lists; so, there is at least the theoretical possibility of tasting the wines before committing."
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The fourth-largest wine producer in the world, led by California. American fine wine is defined by ripe, expressive fruit and a spirit of innovation, with Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon among the most sought-after wines globally.
California's most prestigious wine region, celebrated worldwide for opulent, structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Diverse soils and mountain-to-valley-floor sites yield wines of remarkable ripeness, power and longevity.
California's flagship appellation for opulent, structured Cabernet Sauvignon of ripe fruit, plush tannins and cellar-worthy depth.
Abreu Vineyards ranks among Napa Valleyâs most coveted producers, pairing David Abreuâs meticulous vineyard work with winemaker Brad Grimesâs talent for crafting Bordeaux-style reds of remarkable depth, polish, and longevity. Its four celebrated vineyard properties each bring a distinctive identity: Madrona Ranch, the founding estate on St. Helenaâs western side, offers exceptional complexity from its varied soils and terrain; nearby Cappella, a six-acre site first planted in 1869, contributes a historic pedigree and beautifully expressive wines; Thorevilos, in the hills between the St. Helena and Howell Mountain appellations, produces powerful, intensely structured reds; and Las Posadas, perched roughly 2,000 feet above sea level on Howell Mountain, delivers concentrated mountain character. Together, these sites also underpin Rothwell Hyde, blending Madrona Ranch and Cappella, and Tilting Rock, combining Thorevilos and Las Posadas. Among Abreuâs standout vintages are 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2018, with numerous wines earning perfect scoresâincluding the 2013 Madrona Ranch, Thorevilos, and Las Posadas from Robert Parkerâs Wine Advocate. Combining extraordinary vineyard sites, exacting farming, and a consistent record of exceptional wines, Abreu remains a benchmark for collectors seeking Napa Valley at its finest.
Cabernet Franc is an aromatic red grape prized for its perfume, freshness and savory character. Raspberry and violet are familiar notes, often joined by red fruit, herbs and a leafy edge. Its wines can be supple and fragrant or more firmly structured, with the balance of fruit, tannin and herbal complexity shaped by ripeness, vineyard site and winemaking. In France's Loire Valley, Cabernet Franc often takes center stage in wines from Chinon, Bourgueil, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil and Saumur-Champigny. These expressions highlight the grape's ability to reflect differences between vineyards while retaining a distinctive sense of freshness. In Bordeaux, particularly Saint-Ămilion, it is an important partner to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing aromatic lift, finesse and structure. Cabernet Franc generally ripens before Cabernet Sauvignon and produces wines ranging from lively, fruit-focused bottlings to concentrated examples capable of developing additional complexity with age. Its appeal lies in the interplay of fruit, floral perfume and savory detail, whether bottled on its own or used to bring nuance to a blend.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape known for deep color, firm tannins and a clearly defined structure. Blackcurrant, often described as cassis, is a signature flavor, accompanied by blackberry and, depending on the wine, cedar, graphite, mint or herbal notes. Oak aging can add spice and toast, while bottle age may bring tobacco, leather and other savory layers. The grape is a cornerstone of Bordeaux's Left Bank, especially the MĂ©doc and Graves, where it is commonly blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and smaller amounts of other varieties. Beyond Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon has established distinctive regional identities, including Australia's Coonawarra and Margaret River. Vineyard climate and ripeness influence whether the emphasis falls on fresh fruit and herbs or richer, fuller expressions. Its tannins, acidity and concentration can support long development in well-balanced examples. Many accessible styles are made for earlier enjoyment, while more structured wines reward time as their tannins soften and their aromas evolve. Cabernet Sauvignon brings depth and backbone to blends and can also express a vineyard's character as a varietal wine.