2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyards
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Tasting notes
Helms vineyard consists of five acres on gravelly loam, right on the northern edge of the Rutherford bench, planted in 1997 and 1998. The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and slips seductively out of the glass with compelling scents of blackberry pie, baked black cherries and warm cassis with hints of raspberry leaves, tilled black loam, truffles and tar. The full-bodied palate is satisfyingly rich and plush, yet it has a fantastic backbone of freshness lifting all the opulent fruit to a long, lively, mineral-tinged finish. 254 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
From vines planted around the estate in Rutherford, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard sports a deep purple hue as well as gorgeous notes of blackcurrants, tobacco, crushed rock-like minerality, lead pencil, and forest floor. Just pure, unadulterated Cabernet Sauvignon on both the nose and palate, it has a Chateau Lafite-like elegance and minerality as well as its hallmark lead pencil character, medium to full-bodied richness, beautiful balance, and a great finish. It's bigger and richer than the Lotus Vineyard Cabernet, yet its balance, purity, and elegance stand out just as much. It will offer pleasure for 30 years or more.
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard, from Dana's estate vineyard in Rutherford, turned out beautifully. Gracious, perfumed and medium in body, the 2017 is exquisite. Rose petal, spice and mint aromatics play off a core of sweet red berry fruit. Readers will find a sensual, highly nuanced Cabernet Sauvignon. Intense heat had the effect of shutting down ripeness. As a result, the 2017 is lighter in body and a bit lower in alcohol than the norm. The 2017 is truly impressive, and just gets better with time in the glass.
A regal, soaring wine, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is all finesse. Dried cherry, cinnamon, star anise and blood orange add an exotic flair that adds to the wine's beguiling personality. In 2017, the Helms is a bit understated and medium in body, with less of the breadth of the very best years. Even so, it is a gorgeous Cabernet full of allure and potential. I won't be surprised if it is even more compelling in another few years' time.
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.