2018 Dana Estates, Helms Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Magnum (1.5L)
$749
99JS98+RP
Critic key
RP = Robert ParkerJS = James Suckling
Product Description
JS99 "Sweet white chocolate with currant, plum and subtle hazelnut on the nose. Some other spices, such as nutmeg and cloves. Floral. Full-bodied with extremely fine tannins that go on and on. Beautiful center plate that is dense yet polished and fine and continues on. Exceptional. Fantastic finish. Drinkable now, but needs four or five years to show it?s true greatness." JS Apr 2021
RP98+ "Helms vineyard consists of five acres on gravelly loam, right on the northern edge of the Rutherford bench, planted in 1997 and 1998 to Cabernet Sauvignon clones See and 337. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged for 21 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it rolls out of the glass with seductive scents of Morello cherries, blackcurrant pastilles and mulberries with hints of chocolate mint, violets and forest floor, plus a waft of cinnamon toast. Full-bodied, the palate has an ethereal weight, dancing with bright, vibrant black and blue fruits and a lively line of freshness, textured with beautifully ripe, velvety tannins, finishing long and mineral laced. Wow. 422 cases were made." LPB for TWA Feb 2021
Lisa Perrotti-Brown for RobertParker.com writes, "I'm continually awed by the level of dedication, attention to detail and no-compromises attitude at Dana Estates. The three recent vintages tasted (2017, 2018 and 2019) show off the very best Napa Valley has to offer in these years. Readers should note that no 2018 Hershey Vineyard—located high-up on Howell Mountain—was produced, due to issues with smoke taint (drift from the Mendocino Complex Fire that year). This financially difficult decision should go a long way toward maintaining the trust of loyal followers of this estate and, indeed, of such conscientious Napa Valley producers. Fortunately, due to its lower elevation and aspect, Lotus Vineyard was not impacted in 2018 and the wine is utterly gorgeous." Published: Feb 26, 2021
RP98+ "Helms vineyard consists of five acres on gravelly loam, right on the northern edge of the Rutherford bench, planted in 1997 and 1998 to Cabernet Sauvignon clones See and 337. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged for 21 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it rolls out of the glass with seductive scents of Morello cherries, blackcurrant pastilles and mulberries with hints of chocolate mint, violets and forest floor, plus a waft of cinnamon toast. Full-bodied, the palate has an ethereal weight, dancing with bright, vibrant black and blue fruits and a lively line of freshness, textured with beautifully ripe, velvety tannins, finishing long and mineral laced. Wow. 422 cases were made." LPB for TWA Feb 2021
Lisa Perrotti-Brown for RobertParker.com writes, "I'm continually awed by the level of dedication, attention to detail and no-compromises attitude at Dana Estates. The three recent vintages tasted (2017, 2018 and 2019) show off the very best Napa Valley has to offer in these years. Readers should note that no 2018 Hershey Vineyard—located high-up on Howell Mountain—was produced, due to issues with smoke taint (drift from the Mendocino Complex Fire that year). This financially difficult decision should go a long way toward maintaining the trust of loyal followers of this estate and, indeed, of such conscientious Napa Valley producers. Fortunately, due to its lower elevation and aspect, Lotus Vineyard was not impacted in 2018 and the wine is utterly gorgeous." Published: Feb 26, 2021