2018 Thorevilos

Yes, the score is a bit of a cop-out, but as I had a slight preference for the 100-point Madrona Ranch, I just couldn't justify the same score for the 2018 Thorevilos Proprietary Red, however wonderful this wine might be. It splits the difference between 2016 and 2017 in terms of its fruit expression, with dark cherries and cassis joined by gentle floral-herbal nuances on the nose. It's full-bodied in the mouth, concentrated and pure, with a lengthy, refreshing finish that adds brighter raspberry notes and hints of fine leather. Just gorgeous.

The 2018 Thorevilos is incredibly elegant and nuanced. Graphite, crushed rocks, lavender, menthol, spice, dark cherry and bittersweet chocolate are all seamless in the glass. Over the last few years, the Thorevilos has really gained in finesse, as all these wines have. The 2018 is simply magnificent. This is the last vintage from the original Thorevilos vineyard, a site David Abreu and Ric Forman planted and farmed for thirty years. (AG)

One of the finest Napa Valley wines to pass my lips, the 2018 Thorevilos offers an incredible level of purity, concentration, and balance. Revealing plenty of creme de cassis, white flowers, spicy oak, and tobacco-like aromas and flavors, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a multi-dimensional texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish. Coming from a site just outside St. Helena and mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (with a good chunk of Cabernet Franc), this is pure perfection in red wine. Although it can be drunk today, it really needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years, but it's going to cruise for 30, 40, if not 50 years.