Abreu 'Madrona Ranch' Red 2013Howell Mountain

If Abreu has a core, it is undoubtedly Madrona Ranch. It was the first property David fell for, and developed, back in the 1980s. The canyons and curves that snake through the site, the soils that range from red Aiken to white tufa to dark clay and rocks-it's a magical site. Harvest picks are meticulous, often spanning weeks, but the diversity makes for incredible complexity, and plenty of blending options. Madrona is a working ranch too. In fact, livestock have laid claim to more than their share of real estate. Cattle, goats, pigs, chickens-even honeybees, which live in one of the old barns on the property. "We tend the animals and leave the bees alone," says David. "We do collect the honey though. We consider it fair rent."
 
"The 2013 Madrona Ranch hits the magic three-digit score. It is literally a 30- to 45-year wine in itself. It behaves like a ripe, complex first growth Pauillac, with blackberry and crème de cassis, a touch of licorice, black truffle, pen ink and graphite. Incredibly fragrant, extremely full-bodied, with abundant tannin but also enormous fruit extract and richness, it is an amazing wine and a profound effort from Abreu and winemaker Brad Grimes." - Wine Advocate. 3 bottles are available. $635/bottle