Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon 'Helena Dakota Vineyard' 2021

This red wine originates from the United States, specifically from the Knights Valley AVA in Sonoma County, California. The Anakota estate was established in the late 1990s by the Jackson family, who sought a 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

Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon 'Helena Dakota Vineyard' 2021 displays an opaque ruby or deep garnet-purple colour. The nose is highly aromatic, offering detailed scents of blackcurrant, blueberry, violet, and crème brûlée, accented by deeper notes of pressed sage, pencil lead, and menthol. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and broad-shouldered, featuring a polished and plush texture that carries concentrated flavours of black fruit, dark chocolate, and graphite. It is characterized by its remarkable power and energy, balanced by a fresh spine of acidity and firm, grainy tannins that lead to a very long, mineral-driven finish. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was matured for 15 months in 85% new French oak and has an ABV of 13.8%. While the estate manages its vineyards with meticulous care, this bottling is not certified organic. The optimal drinking window for this vintage is from 2027 through 2050.

Accolades

• Jeb Dunnuck - 97 points.

• James Suckling - 97 points.

• The Wine Independent (Lisa Perrotti-Brown) - 97+ points.

• Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 96 points.