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The July 2026 Auction: Part 2
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1 / 2Lot 558
Estimate: $650
OWC.
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Collection name
Reviews
97WA
"Helms vineyard consists of five acres on gravelly loam, right on the northern edge of the Rutherford bench, planted in 1997 and 1998. The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and slips seductively out of the glass with compelling scents of blackberry pie, baked black cherries and warm cassis with hints of raspberry leaves, tilled black loam, truffles and tar. The full-bodied palate is satisfyingly rich and plush, yet it has a fantastic backbone of freshness lifting all the opulent fruit to a long, lively, mineral-tinged finish. 254 cases were made. I'm continually awed by the level of dedication, attention to detail and no-compromises attitude at Dana Estates. The three recent vintages tasted (2017, 2018 and 2019) show off the very best Napa Valley has to offer in these years. Readers should note that no 2018 Hershey Vineyardâlocated high-up on Howell Mountainâwas produced, due to issues with smoke taint (drift from the Mendocino Complex Fire that year). This financially difficult decision should go a long way toward maintaining the trust of loyal followers of this estate and, indeed, of such conscientious Napa Valley producers. Fortunately, due to its lower elevation and aspect, Lotus Vineyard was not impacted in 2018 and the wine is utterly gorgeous."
Region
Red
Country
Score
"Helms vineyard consists of five acres on gravelly loam, right on the northern edge of the Rutherford bench, planted in 1997 and 1998. The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color and slips seductively out of the glass with compelling scents of blackberry pie, baked black cherries and warm cassis with hints of raspberry leaves, tilled black loam, truffles and tar. The full-bodied palate is satisfyingly rich and plush, yet it has a fantastic backbone of freshness lifting all the opulent fruit to a long, lively, mineral-tinged finish. 254 cases were made. I'm continually awed by the level of dedication, attention to detail and no-compromises attitude at Dana Estates. The three recent vintages tasted (2017, 2018 and 2019) show off the very best Napa Valley has to offer in these years. Readers should note that no 2018 Hershey Vineyardâlocated high-up on Howell Mountainâwas produced, due to issues with smoke taint (drift from the Mendocino Complex Fire that year). This financially difficult decision should go a long way toward maintaining the trust of loyal followers of this estate and, indeed, of such conscientious Napa Valley producers. Fortunately, due to its lower elevation and aspect, Lotus Vineyard was not impacted in 2018 and the wine is utterly gorgeous."
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The fourth-largest wine producer in the world, led by California. American fine wine is defined by ripe, expressive fruit and a spirit of innovation, with Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon among the most sought-after wines globally.
California's most prestigious wine region, celebrated worldwide for opulent, structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Diverse soils and mountain-to-valley-floor sites yield wines of remarkable ripeness, power and longevity.
A benchmark Napa AVA known for structured Cabernet with a signature 'Rutherford dust' - a fine, dusty tannin - and classic cassis fruit.
2017 in Napa Valley saw a wet winter, a scorching Labor Day heat spike and October wildfires; Cabernet picked before the fires is ripe and generous, but quality is variable across this challenging vintage.
The world's most planted premium red grape, yielding deeply colored, tannic and structured wines with cassis, cedar and graphite notes. Firm tannins and acidity make it exceptionally age-worthy, whether as a varietal or the backbone of a Bordeaux blend.