2019 Abreu, Thorevilos, Napa Valley

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 2019 Thorevilos is the first wine from a site just outside St. Helena that replaces the former vineyard where this wine was made. David Abreu planted the 'new' Thorevilos (previously Arns), which is very close to the former Thorevilos (today Ecotone). Naturally, the 2019 has to be considered a wine of transition. From barrel, the 2019 offers plenty of dark fruit with a softer tannin profile than readers have come to expect for this wine. There is quite a bit of redevelopment going on here. It will be interesting to see how things shape up in the coming years.