Abreu Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Thorevilos Vineyard 2003

97 points Robert Parker: "Like the Madrona Ranch, the 2003 Thorevilos comes from the St. Helena AVA. Co-owned with Ric Forman, this is one of the true first-growth sites in all of California. The dense plum/ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of white acacia flowers, blueberry liqueur, creme de cassis and incense. The wine cuts a slightly deeper, richer, fuller-bodied mouthfeel than even the Madrona, but displays no harshness. Just entering its plateau of full maturity, the wine offers beautiful purity, symmetry and density as well as a subtle hint of new oak. A certain youthfulness suggests it might outlive its sibling, but it is still too early to know. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 10-15 years. (Jun 2013)"

96 points Jefe Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "A step up from the very good 2003 Abreu Madronna, this is a more intense, fleshier experience. Concentrated, rich, fresh and opulent, the array of black dark red and blue fruits, complicated by the licorice, espresso, earth and black cherry liqueur gets your focus. This is drinking quite well today. It might improve, but why wait?"

Producer notes: "Abreu Thorevilos is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Planted in 1990, Thorevilos is located in the eastern hills of Saint Helena just below Howell Mountain. The Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot are at the base of the vineyard while the Cabernet Sauvignon stretches up the steep western facing slopes of the vineyard. The uniqueness of this site is the white tufa rock soils which are very well-drained and mineral rich. Coupled with the microclimate, the very unique character of the wine can only be described as Thorevilos.The wine is aged for two years in 100% new French oak. Thorevilos receives an additional two and a half years of bottle age prior to release."