2011 Dana Estates, Helms Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Case of 3 Btls

AG95 "The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is bright, aromatic and savory. Lovely energy drives the red berry, pine, cinnamon, spicecake orange peel, mint and rose petal flavors. At times, the aromatics recall Nebbiolo. This mid-weight, lithe Cabernet has aged impeccably. I would prefer to drink it over the next handful of years." AG for VM May 2022

Antonio Galloni for Vinous Media writes, "This is another absolutely stellar set of new releases from Dana Estates. I have followed the 2011s since the beginning. The wines are just as impressive from bottle as they were from barrel. Winemaker Cameron Vawter commented that botrytis was more pronounced on the valley floor than in hillside sites. Vawter opted for lower temperatures than normal in fermentation and gentler extractions. The main concerns were oxidation and stabilization of color, so the wines saw no aeration during fermentation. Both the Lotus and Hershey spent a little less time in barrel than is typically the case. Everything at Dana Estates represents the search for the very best. The team led by the Lee family, General Manager Pete Perry, Vawter and consulting winemaker Philippe Melka have done a fabulous job." Published: Nov 2013