2002 Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard

From a vineyard planted in a more volcanic subsoil base, the 2002 Helena Montana is a powerful, chocolaty, dense, formidable, broodingly backward wine offering notes of subtle smoke, damp earth, crushed rocks, and oodles of blue and black fruits. The wine gives the impression of being totally locked away, but everything is in balance and the purity is impressive. It should be cellared for at least another decade, and will last for 20-25 years. These two wines from the Jackson Family Farms’ boutique vineyard operation are both 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown at relatively lofty elevations (the Helena Dakota at 750 feet and the Helena Montana at 950 feet, both in Knight’s Valley). They are aged in all French oak and are made in an uncompromising style meant for long term cellaring by Verite’s French winemaker, Pierre Seillan. Both of these 2002s are fabulous efforts. Tel. (707) 431-3921