2014 Rothwell Hyde

Brad Grimes has turned out another set of fabulous wines at Abreu. The 2014s have all gained considerable volume since I first tasted them from barrel. The 2014s are surprisingly accessible relative to how the most recently bottled vintage often shows during my fall tastings. More importantly, the wines feel as though they are made in a less extracted style than just a few years ago. The Abreu wines stand out for their extraordinary purity of fruit and total sense of harmony. As always, Grimes picks according to ripeness regardless of variety, which means that most of the lots are co-fermentations. These remain some of the most riveting, compelling wines being made anywhere in the world. Readers who don't want to splurge on the vineyard designates will find plenty of character and early approachability in the Rothwell Hyde, Abreu's second wine.