98pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota (445 cases) is absolutely magnificent. Opaque black/purple in color, it comes across like a Château Montrose from a great vintage – a very earthy St.-Estèphe-inspired wine with the essence of loamy soil and crushed rocks interwoven with blackberry and cassis fruit. Some oak makes an appearance, but it is pushed to the background by the extravagance and enormous body and extract of this wine of phenomenal intensity. This is a classic Pierre Seillan style of wine meant for 25-40 years of cellaring.

90pts Vinous

Anakota's 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota is plush, round and sensual, with plenty of mocha, chocolate, blackberry and crème de cassis. This clay-rich terroir produces rich, sumptuous wines that emphasize depth and mid-palate intensity. Because of that, this is a fairly approachable 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon although it will also develop nicely with time in bottle. Smoke, game, licorice, plum and earthy notes wrap around the dense finish.

Tasting Profile

Fragrant, opulent, and complex, bursting with fresh blueberry and black currant, Crème de Violette, and subtle fresh bay leaf aromatics. The palate is luxurious and rich, perfectly balancing this wine’s firm structure.

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.