97pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Very deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard has a compelling savoriness of char-grilled meat and roasted nuts on the nose with a core of crème de cassis, violets and crushed plums plus a touch of garrigue. Medium-bodied and tautly structured with firm, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, it has a incredible depth of primary fruit and earthy layers, finishing with incredible length and a lovely mineral hint. 432 cases produced.

93pts Vinous

Anakota's 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana is fabulous. Rich, sensual and enveloping, the 2015 captures all the allure that defines the best wines of the year. Super-ripe red cherry, plum, wild flowers and spice all mesh together in this ample, creamy Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon. As always, the Helena Montana presents a decidedly fruit-driven personality next to the more savory Helena Dakota.

Tasting Notes

The 2015 vintage in Knights Valley was powerful, providing full ripeness and deep concentration in the fruit. Helena Dakota shows an intense core of black-violet color that is slightly denser and darker in appearance than its counterpart. Classic aromas of dried black currant and black plum are shared on the palate; balanced with essences of sage leaf, dark chocolate, and foraged mushroom. The long finish displays powdery tannins and vibrant acidity. The future will be extremely bright for this wine and will benefit greatly from time in the cellar.

Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes

Helena Dakota is defined by its power, structure and sophistication. It is an intricate Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects both the terroir of the site and the influence of the surrounding Knights Valley AVA. It possesses layers of plums, anise, cassis, leather, bay leaf and cedar. Galvanized by a streak of minerals and bold tannins. Helena Dakota is a solidly-built wine that stands the test of time.

Vineyard Notes

Distinctive soil and notably cooler temperatures than those found in adjacent vineyards best define the growing conditions for this Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. We planted our Helena Dakota Vineyard on the foothills of Mount St. Helena which rises more than 4,000 feet above sea level. This distinctive, two-peaked mountain remains the heart of an ancient volcanic zone responsible for the complex, mineral-rich soils of Knights Valley and nearby grape-growing districts.

This 12.4 acre vineyard runs southeast to northwest on the eastern side of scenic Highway 128 and possesses slopes of up to 15 degrees. Prevailing westerly winds pass over a large, cold pond and blow uphill, parallel to the rows of vines. These cooling breezes slow down the ripening of the grapes and result in wines that are packed with elegance, complexity and finesse. A pure mountain stream and rocky ridge separate this vineyard from our Helena Montana vineyard.

Vegan