2012 Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard
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The 2012s are the most showy and forward of the three vintages, which is not surprising, since the vintage is flamboyant and they are already three years of age. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana (1,317 cases) is a beauty. Loads of chocolate, crème de cassis, black cherry and crushed rock are all present in this broad, savory, full-bodied, multi-dimensional wine. This is a gorgeous wine with terrific intensity and, while approachable now, should continue to evolve for at least 20-25 years.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard has come together very nicely over the last year, as the savory, mineral notes have taken on greater prominence, while the fruit lies more in the background compared to the much more opulent Helena Dakota. The 2012 is a decidedly big, powerful wine built on a compelling interplay of rich fruit. Here, too, the Helena Montana could use more time in bottle to fully come together, even though it is quite striking now. This is a big boy, there is no question of that.
Bright, deep ruby. Nose dominated by bitter chocolate and minerals. Chewy, rich and seriously concentrated, with strong acidity and terrific violet lift enlivening the highly complex flavors of black cherry, musky coffee, spices, bitter chocolate and black olive. Displays a lovely combination of freshness and power, with the 100% new oak in the background. As with his Verite wines, winemaker Pierre Seillan keeps the Anakota wines in barrels for only 15 months.
Grilled herbs, blackberry jam, spices and graphite jump from the glass in a vivid, nuanced wine. The flavors are wonderfully clear and articulate, especially for such a big, resonant wine. Chocolate, mocha and spices are some of the notes that inform the rich, generous finish.