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97 WA. "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. I'm continually awed by the level of dedication, attention to detail and no-compromises attitude at Dana Estates. The three recent vintages tasted (2017, 2018 and 2019) show off the very best Napa Valley has to offer in these years. Readers should note that no 2018 Hershey Vineyard—located high-up on Howell Mountain—was produced, due to issues with smoke taint (drift from the Mendocino Complex Fire that year). This financially difficult decision should go a long way toward maintaining the trust of loyal followers of this estate and, indeed, of such conscientious Napa Valley producers. Fortunately, due to its lower elevation and aspect, Lotus Vineyard was not impacted in 2018 and the wine is utterly gorgeous." Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate #253, Feb 2021 |