2006 Abreu Howell Mountain Red

David Abreu was born and raised in Napa Valley, where his family has been involved in farming for three generations. As a teenager he worked summers at Inglenook and Caymus vineyards and soon became one of the valley’s most respected viticulturalists. In 1980 he planted his own Madrona Ranch vineyard located west of St. Helena. He produced his first wine in 1986 with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the Madrona Ranch vineyard. His first commercial release from Abreu Vineyard, as he has called his winery, was the 1987 Abreu Madrona Ranch. Today Abreu owns about 60 acres of vineyards though wines currently come from only two, Madrona Ranch and Thorevilos. He grows Merlot and Petit Verdot along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Known as a perfectionist when it comes to growing grapes and maintaining vineyards, Abreu’s wines are also among the most acclaimed coming out of California. He produces fewer than 10,000 bottles a year.

Howell Mountain AVA in Northeastern Napa Valley was the first of Napa Valley’s sub-appellations, earning its own designation in 1984, just a year after Napa Valley became an appellation. As the name suggests, the AVA is in one of the highest elevations in the area. Every vineyard in the appellation is at least 1,400 feet above sea level. Some vineyards are as high as 2,200 feet and because of their altitude most of the AVA’s vineyards receive more sun than vineyards at lower elevations, which are affected by fog from the Pacific Ocean and the San Pablo Bay. Howell Mountain was home to vineyards in the late 19th century, but winemaker Randy Dunn is considered the area’s most influential modern pioneer. Dunn moved to Howell Mountain in 1979, acquired property and began making exceptionally rich Cabernet Sauvignon. The AVA also grows Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. There are 600 vineyard acres within Howell Mountain AVA.