2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyards
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Tasting notes
Good full ruby. Very ripe aromas of blueberry and blackberry syrup, licorice and musky mocha. Then pure and vibrant in the mouth, with lovely cut to the black fruit flavors lifted by violet. Has the tannic underpinning for a long life in bottle. This was fermented 75% in oak uprights and 25% in small barrels. I would expect to see this merit a higher score six or seven years down the road.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
There are 312 cases of the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard, which has put on considerable weight since last year. Its dense purple color is accompanied by a glorious nose of dusty, loamy soil notes intermixed with black raspberry, black currant, camphor and subtle spicy oak. Deep, rich and full-bodied with velvety tannins and a long finish, it should drink well for 20-25 years. 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. Tel. (707) 963-4365; Fax (707) 963-4975
Good medium ruby. Crushed blueberry and blackberry lifted by minerals and menthol; more gravel than Rutherford dust showing today. High-toned, primary and youthfully tight, with lovely purity and a deep sweetness to its flavors of crushed cherry, blueberry, licorice and oak. Nicely juicy wine, finishing with excellent breadth and structure.
There are 312 cases of the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard, which has put on considerable weight since last year. Its dense purple color is accompanied by a glorious nose of dusty, loamy soil notes intermixed with black raspberry, black currant, camphor and subtle spicy oak. Deep, rich and full-bodied with velvety tannins and a long finish, it should drink well for 20-25 years. Dec 2010, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Located on the Rutherford bench, Dana Estates is a small Napa estate focused on producing fine, single-site Cabernet Sauvignon. The concentrated wines are some of the region’s most sought-after, regularly earning top ratings from critics – with 19 100-point scores to date.