The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard explodes with violets, aniseed and cast iron, with a deep core of crushed blueberries and black cherries, evolving continually with each approach to the glass. The palate is stunning with its intensity and lift, pure fruits, pixelated tannins and focused acidity that drives the very long finish. Its exceptional balance and super pure flavors, plus that characteristic streak of iron that appears across the Anakota portfolio, really take the 2019 Helena Dakota to the next level. 793 cases were made.- EB

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota is compact with menthol oils, sage, dark iron-rich earth, and cassis. The palate is savory, with tightly wound structure, and delivers dried herbs, fresh fig, violets, and scorched earth. Allow for a few years in cellar and drink 2025-2045.

The essence of cabernet sauvignon on the nose with cassis and fresh flowers. Full-bodied with orange peel, blackberry, cassis and hints of rose stems. Creamy and powdery tannins. Needs time to come together. Try after 2026, but already beautiful.

Anakota changes its oak regimen based on what the vintage directs, and the 2019 vintage, with an above-average growing season and heat spikes in July, August, and September, commanded a higher use of new French oak. The fruit leans toward the purple end of the spectrum: think plums and blackberry jam. But fruit almost takes a backseat to the leather, bay leaf, and iron qualities of the aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and structured, this is a wine with presence but still a freshness that makes it approachable in its youth. There are layers to this wine that keep bringing me back for another taste.