Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon 'Helena Montana Vineyard' 2021

Introduction

This powerful red wine originates from the United States, specifically the Knights Valley AVA in Sonoma County, California. The Anakota estate was established in the late 1990s by the Jackson family, who sought a unique site capable of blending the opulence of Napa with the structural precision of Sonoma. Under the direction of Vigneron Pierre Seillan, the winery employs a 'micro-cru' philosophy, dividing the vineyard into small blocks to capture the distinct geological nuances of the volcanic, gravelly loam soils.

Wine Description

The 2021 Helena Montana is an inky, deep garnet-purple wine composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it is characteristically intense, offering aromas of ripe red and black currants, blackberry, and violet, accented by notes of graphite, leather, and bouquet garni. The palate is full bodied and linear, featuring concentrated fruit and non-fruit layers like cocoa, sweet baking spices, and dark roast coffee. It is defined by a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and a juicy acidity that leads to a very long, mineral-driven finish. While powerful in its youth, this wine is built for extensive cellaring, with an optimal drinking window between 2027 and 2050.

Accolades

• James Suckling - 97 points

• Wine Advocate - 95 points

• Jeb Dunnuck - 96 points