2010 Dana Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Ultrarich, bordering on syrupy, this packs a wallop, with dark, deep layers of blackberry, currant, blueberry and spice that coat the palate. For all the apparent density and extract, this glides along nicely.
Critic scores
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard from the Napa Valley is a brilliant effort that flirts with perfection (much like the 2007). Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 24 months in 100% new French oak (225 cases produced), it boasts beautiful ripe black currant and blueberry fruit intermixed with hints of licorice, violets and forest floor. With more ripeness as well as a bigger, richer style than the other 2010s as well as formidable structure and tannin, this is a quintessentially gorgeous, compelling Napa Cabernet that is accessible enough to provide enjoyment now. It should improve over the next decade and keep for 25-30 years. Proprietor Hi Sang Lee has resurrected this once historic estate in Rutherford where the winery was first constructed in 1883 by H. W. Helms. There are four cuvees as of 2010, the Crystal Springs Vineyard on Howell Mountain, the Helms Vineyard in Rutherford, the Hershey Vineyard on Howell Mountain and the Lotus Vineyard in Napa Valley. They also produce a wine called Onda, which is meant to be a more forward styled, lower priced effort. Kudos to Hi Sang Lee and his son for resurrecting this historic estate. www.danaestates.com
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard from the Napa Valley is a brilliant effort that flirts with perfection (much like the 2007). Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 24 months in 100% new French oak (225 cases produced), it boasts beautiful ripe black currant and blueberry fruit intermixed with hints of licorice, violets and forest floor. With more ripeness as well as a bigger, richer style than the other 2010s as well as formidable structure and tannin, this is a quintessentially gorgeous, compelling Napa Cabernet that is accessible enough to provide enjoyment now. It should improve over the next decade and keep for 25-30 years.
(15.7% alcohol): Saturated medium ruby. Higher-toned on the nose than the Helms bottling, showing superripe dark fruit, cola and exotic chocolatey oak aromas. Extremely deep and creamy-sweet on the palate, with a dominant flavor of blueberry liqueur and a texture of liquid velvet. Finishes with powerful ripe tannins and a hint of dryness. This is almost too much of a good thing.
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.