2008 Dana Estates, Lotus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Bottle (750ml)

RP94+ "The flagship offering is the Lotus Vineyard cuvee. The 2007 was pure perfection and the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard is another impressive effort (about 200 cases produced). Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Clones 337, 4 and 15, this is a relatively high elevation (1,200 feet) site and because of that, the wine shows lots of minerality and freshness. Expansive black currant and blackberry notes intermixed with graphite and flower aromas are followed by a full-bodied wine with lots of structure, density and purity. This 2008 requires 4-5 years of cellaring and can be enjoyed over the following two decades." RP Dec 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
"Dana Estates boasts Philippe Melka as their consultant. The biggest production cuvee for conscientious proprietor Hi Sang Lee's small estate in Rutherford is the Helms Vineyard (a 4.8-acre parcel). Interestingly, the estate has custom made their fermenters to the size of their parcels which adds efficiency to the winemaking." Published: Dec 22, 2010