2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyards

Proprietor Hi Sang Lee has spared no expense at Dana Estates, and it shows. These are fabulous wines that stand apart for their superb elegance and class. The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is bigger, richer and deeper than the 2008 tasted alongside it. In this vintage (and 2010) the picks were smaller, and therefore many of the fermentations were done in smaller French oak barrels, which has given the wine much of its shape. Ripe dark cherries, menthol and spices wrap around the finish. The tannins are a bit firm, but the wine was also bottled just one month before I tasted it.

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is bigger, richer and deeper than the 2008 tasted alongside it. In this vintage (and 2010) the picks were smaller, and therefore many of the fermentations were done in smaller French oak barrels, which has given the wine much of its shape. Ripe dark cherries, menthol and spices wrap around the finish. The tannins are a bit firm, but the wine was also bottled just one month before I tasted it. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. Proprietor Hi Sang Lee has spared no expense at Dana Estates, and it shows. These are fabulous wines that stand apart for their superb elegance and class. There are three Cabernets. The Helms Vineyard is located in Rutherford, Hershey Vineyard is on Howell Mountain and the Lotus Vineyard is in St. Helena. Cameron Vawter and Philippe Melka are responsible for the winemaking. Tel. (707) 963-4365

Good saturated medium ruby. Black fruits, strawberry, minerals and licorice on the nose, along with a whiff of tar; this smells rich and sweet! Then moderately dense but elegant in the mouth, with sound acidity giving lift and perfume to the middle palate. Less supple than the other 2009s here but the long finish offers lovely violet perfume. There will be just 75 cases of this wine as the portion of this vineyard picked after the October 13 rain will not be included.