ABREU Madrona Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

In 1989, Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud acquired a small plot of 0.6 hectares in the valley of Saint-Emilion between Pavie-Macquin and La Clotte. In 1991, they produced their first vintage bottled by themselves. Since then, they have acquired other plots and properties, in Saint-Christophe-Des-Bardes, Saint Sulpice de Faleyrens and Saint-Etienne de Lisse. While the first critics called it "garage wine", Château Valandraud, although still unclassified, is nevertheless considered by almost all wine professionals, including Robert Parker, as one of the very first wines of Bordeaux. Château Valandraud was promoted to 1er Grand Cru Classé de Saint Emilion in 2012. Member of the Union of Grands Crus of Bordeaux since 2017. The 2009 Valandraud is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc matured in 100% new oak for 22 months.

Since 1844, Penfolds has been grounded in experimentation, curiosity and uncompromising quality. This pioneering spirit still rings true after nearly two centuries and is what has helped them become one of the most celebrated winemakers in the world today. The creation of this limited release Cabernet Sauvignon began as a quest to create something real, different, and aspiringly lofty, together with our trusted partner Dourthe Bordeaux. The French component of this wine was made at two of the Dourthe-owned wineries. Australian components of this wine were made at Penfolds Nuriootpa Winery (South Australia). The French and Australian components were blended and bottled in South Australia. A natural match with lamb studded with rosemary and thyme. Slow braised beef cheeks. Cheese: English cheddar, Grana Padano, Limburger.

Intense aromas of crème brûlée, dried pineapple, and botrytis-kissed apricot fill the senses, accented by a hint of vanilla and blossom. The taste is profoundly rich and full-bodied, yet exquisitely fresh, delivering layers of honeyed pear, sweet spices, and a mineral complexity that extends into a seemingly endless, harmonious finish.