2014 Dana Estates Helms Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

This gently sloping site is relatively cool, and is protected from the intensity of the late afternoon heat during the height of the growing season. The gravelly loam soils provide excellent drainage and wonderful fruit purity. Helms Vineyard Cabernet displays the classic profile of the Rutherford Bench: dark fruit, richly layered with a touch of spice and earth. The finely grained “dusty” tannins so prevalent in the appellation are integrated and harmonious, producing a wine of sophistication and depth.

The 2014 vintage marks the third year of drought conditions in Napa with winter rainfall at half of normal. All the winter rains came in February and March, providing the vines relief from the minimal rains of 2013 and recharging the soils just before the vines came out of their dormant period. Warm March weather caused the vines to emerge from dormancy early, giving us bud break in late March. The summer weather was mild with few heat spikes above 100°F and warm nights. This translated to grapes that retained tannins because of the mild daytime temperatures, but lower than average acid levels due to the warmer nights.

The fruit was fermented in an oak upright tank on skins for 20 days. Smaller lots were fermented in a mix of small and large barrels for 33 days. The wines were drained directly into barrel. The wine was racked once for blending in the spring and then aged on fine lees until bottling.

The 2014 vintage Helms opens with aromas of black currants, violets, and spice. Incredible complexity of plum, cassis, sage, dried savory herbs, cured meat, wet slate, and tangerine peel. On the palate, the wine is focused with fine grained tannins. Full bodied, creamy in texture with blackberry, cocoa, hints of sage and nutmeg, with a seductively long finish.