2019 Dana Estates Helms Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

WA97-99 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. This barrel sample of the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and is due to be aged for 21 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it explodes with bombastic scents of crushed blackberries, plum preserves and crème de cassis followed by nuances of red roses, black tea, eucalyptus oil and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate shimmers with juicy black fruits, supported by ripe, soft tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and fragrant. 402 cases are projected to be made.
JS97 Aromas of red currants, crushed stone, bark and some red licorice follow through to a medium to full body with creamy and medium-round tannins. Hints of chocolate, walnut and stone. Really fine-grained and silky tannins. Try after 2026.
JD96 The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is a medium to full-bodied, ripe, exotic, already complex beauty that gives up lots of cassis and plum fruits, notes of violets, orange blossom, and spice, building tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It’s an incredibly complex, layered, satisfying Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the coming 20-25 years.