2007 Dana Estates, Helms Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Bottle (750ml)

RP97 "Deep garnet with a touch of purple remaining at the rim, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard gives up intense notes of blueberry pie, black forest cake and licorice with touches of dried lavender, black soil and stewed tea plus wafts of sandalwood and cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied and packed with youthful black fruits and earthy layers, it has a fine-grained yet reassuringly firm backbone and lively acid line supporting the generous fruit, finishing long with a mineral suggestion coming through." LPB for TWA Dec 2017

WS96 "Slow to unfold, but once it does this reveals a firm, complex and fascinating mix of dried currant, melted black licorice, rich blackberry, sage and mineral. This full-bodied red expands on the finish, where the flavors unfold gracefully, ending with ripe tannins. Best from 2012 through 2024. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 342 cases made." JL for WS Oct 2010

Robert Parker writes, "One can't say enough about what proprietor Hi Sang Lee and his son, both from Seoul, Korea, have accomplished at what used to be called the Livingston-Moffett Estate in Rutherford. They have dramatically transformed that estate into their Helms Vineyard, to which they have added the Lotus Vineyard from the St. Helena hillsides and the Hershey Vineyard on Howell Mountain. The consulting winemaker is Philippe Melka, and as the following notes attest, their 2007s are off the charts. Moreover, the 2008s look strong, although there is no Howell Mountain Cabernet since that vineyard was completely wiped out because of spring frosts." Published: Dec 21, 2009