Helms vineyard consists of five acres on gravelly loam, right on the northern edge of the Rutherford bench, planted in 1997 and 1998 to Cabernet Sauvignon clones See and 337. This barrel sample of the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and is due to be aged for 21 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it explodes with bombastic scents of crushed blackberries, plum preserves and crème de cassis followed by nuances of red roses, black tea, eucalyptus oil and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate shimmers with juicy black fruits, supported by ripe, soft tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and fragrant. 402 cases are projected to be made.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is soft, open-knit and gracious, as it always is. Silky tannins lend considerable charm to this decidedly polished, understated Cabernet from Dana. Crushed flowers, mint, spice, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco linger on the close. It will be interesting to see if the Helms gains more volume with time in bottle. Today it is decidedly on the ethereal side of things, within the context of these wines. Bright floral notes linger on the close.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is a medium to full-bodied, ripe, exotic, already complex beauty that gives up lots of cassis and plum fruits, notes of violets, orange blossom, and spice, building tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It’s an incredibly complex, layered, satisfying Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the coming 20-25 years.