Abreu - Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch 1997

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "As I reported last year, the 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch is a perfect Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been in bottle for over a year, and this wine, like all the others, has easily soaked up its aging in 100% new Taransaud barrels. It is a sumptuous, unctuously-textured, fabulously concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon that hits all the sweet spots on the palate, and puts the olfactory senses into overdrive. The wine smells and tastes perfect. It is a compelling effort that one day will be considered part of a small group of elite California Cabernets that may be rewriting the definition of greatness in Cabernet Sauvignon."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Oak, licorice, incense, barbecue smoke and blackberries on the nose. The wine is incredibly lush, displaying opulent textures and a sweet, ripe, fruit filled palate with a pleasing long finish that fills your mouth with the essence of pure, ripe fruits."