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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard El. 750 Feettext
96POINTS
18½/20

Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard El. 750 Feet 2018

Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSince 2001, Anakota has made two single vineyard, single variety, single appellation estate cabs: Helena Dakota, and Helena Montana. Helena Dakota is a 12.4-acre block of vines sited below Mount St. Helena’s two highest peaks at 750 feet elevation. It is an ancient volcanic zone, with reddish-brown, gravel/silt loam soils intermingled with volcanic rock, well suited to the main Bordeaux grapes. This year I tasted it alongside its El. 950 Feet Helena Montana Vineyard sibling. The differences are subtle, but Helena Dakota exhibits more generosity and elegance and a less rugged mountain character. The fruit is black and spicy, with some mineral savoury chocolate streaks and dense but sweet tannins. Winemaker Pierre Seillan is the master of balance, and this wine has it all from front to back.Tasted: 31 October 2021Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:
BC$114.99750mlselect private retailers
Producer: AnakotaDistributors: Summit Fine Wines
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon