2002 Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2002 Helena Dakota is slightly softer and perhaps not as profoundly deep as its sibling. Nevertheless, it explodes off the back of the palate with abundant notes of crushed rocks, blue and black fruits and a boatload of massive tannin. This dense, full-bodied effort should be forgotten for another 5-6 years and drunk over the following two decades. These two wines from the Jackson Family Farms’ boutique vineyard operation are both 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown at relatively lofty elevations (the Helena Dakota at 750 feet and the Helena Montana at 950 feet, both in Knight’s Valley). They are aged in all French oak and are made in an uncompromising style meant for long term cellaring by Verite’s French winemaker, Pierre Seillan. Both of these 2002s are fabulous efforts. Tel. (707) 431-3921
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(est. 50-$60) Good medium ruby. Medicinal black fruits and flowers on the nose. Supple, dense and rather suave, with more complexity and spice character than the Helena Montana 2002. Very French in its combination of breadth and uncompromising dryness. The subtle finish shows sneaky, palate-coating length. Very suave wine. "Helena Montana is like Latour, while Helena Dakota is more Lafite," says Jess Jackson, hopefully. I underrated this wine a year ago.
Bright ruby. Briary black fruits, dark chocolate and menthol on the youthfully medicinal nose. Broader and sweeter today than the 2001, with black fruit and menthol flavors. Then finishes with a substantial load of chewy, tough tannins that reach the teeth.