2005 Anakota "Helena Dakota" Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

SKU #1107079 94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Anakota, one of Jess Jackson’s flagship estates, is producing small quantities (about 500 cases of each wine) of outstanding Cabernets intended to showcase the potential of these vineyards on Mount St. Helena in Knight’s Valley. Both are 100% Cabernet Sauvignon planted at 700-900 foot elevations. The wines are aged 14 months in French oak. These impressive offerings establish Anakota as a worthy competitor to Peter Michael’s exceptional Les Pavots proprietary red. (12/ 2008)

91 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Good red-ruby. Musky aromas of currant, iron, leather and smoke. Lush, fat and nuanced, with noteworthy purity and depth to its flavors of black cherry, game, spices, mint and earth. Very full and round but not at all sweet or easy. Compared to the Helena Montana, this shows a tad less energy and finishes with more obvious though fine tannins. (5/ 2008)

K&L Notes

The 12-acre Helena Dakota vineyard is planted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon on silt-loam soil. The vines have grown deep roots in this soft soil which imparts prominent mineral characteristics in this 100% varietal, single-vineyard bottling with distinct Knights Valley terroir. From winemaker Pierre Seillan: "The 2005 Helena Dakota Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine with a deep, dark red color. The nose presents notes of vanilla and oak. On the palate is an explosion of red fruits and minerality supported by a very round structure. The tannins are mature and present a long finish with hints of blonde tobacco. This wine can be decanted and enjoyed now, or it can be placed in your cellar."