2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyards
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Tasting notes
There are only slightly over 100 cases of the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard (100% Cabernet Sauvignon). A classic, mineral-laced Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, it exhibits lots of cedarwood, black currant, kirsch and licorice notes along with sweet tannin, full body and a beguiling, lush mouthfeel.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright, full ruby to the rim. Pungent, slightly liqueur-like aromas of black raspberry, cassis, dark cherry, mocha, tobacco leaf and Rutherford dust. Silky and voluptuous on entry, then sweet and mouthfilling, with just enough harmonious acidity to keep from cloying. This remarkably rich, utterly seamless 2010 delivers a real wave of fruit on the middle palate and finishes extremely broad and long, with substantial tannins already melded into the whole. Wonderfully classy, suave wine with no edges. Can be enjoyed for its voluptuousness and balance right now but will go on. Still, this is a bit unrestrained for my taste: I wanted a bit more grip, but that's quibbling. The tannins build with air while remaining sweet.
Bright, full ruby to the rim. Pungent, slightly liqueur-like aromas of black raspberry, cassis, dark cherry, mocha, tobacco leaf and Rutherford dust. Silky and voluptuous on entry, then sweet and mouthfilling, with just enough harmonious acidity to keep from cloying. This remarkably rich, utterly seamless 2010 delivers a real wave of fruit on the middle palate and finishes extremely broad and long, with substantial tannins already melded into the whole. Wonderfully classy, suave wine with no edges. Can be enjoyed for its voluptuousness and balance right now but will go on. Still, this is a bit unrestrained for my taste: I wanted a bit more grip, but that's quibbling. The tannins build with air while remaining sweet.
Features pure, ripe aromas of blackberry, blueberry and spice, deeply extracted and firmly tannic. The fruit pushes through, gaining depth as the tannins lend the berry flavors grip. Best from 2014 through 2025. 117 cases made.
About the producer
Located on the Rutherford bench, Dana Estates is a small Napa estate focused on producing fine, single-site Cabernet Sauvignon. The concentrated wines are some of the region’s most sought-after, regularly earning top ratings from critics – with 19 100-point scores to date.