St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon Reviews

Another impressive 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from this grouping is the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection St. Helena, which was aged 19 months in 50% new French casks and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Where the Oakville is a tiny cuvée of only 186 cases, this one represents 467. Terrific blackcurrant and black cherry fruit soar from the glass with loamy soil undertones. The wine has more flesh, fat and succulence, a full-bodied mouthfeel and an easygoing and sexy texture and finish. It is a classic 2014 and best drunk over the next 15+ years.

Lots of smoke, charcoal, blackberry and licorice notes saturate the palate, with a broad, expansive mix of dense, extracted flavors, firm, fine-grained tannins and a long, full finish that keeps this lively and alluring. —J.L.

Sweetened tannins highlight a depth of chocolate and blackberry in this 100% varietal wine made in small amounts. Soft and juicy, it crafts a balance of richness and density around elegant spicy clove and cinnamon. —V.B.

Made entirely from Clone 4, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena District Collection displays more profound depth than the 2012 along with sweet blackberry and blueberry fruit, licorice, graphite and spicy oak notes. Consume this opulent, full-bodied, impressive 2013 over the next 10-15 years

The alcohol is hefty but balanced, giving the wine a heat it wears well. The tannins are big and thick, while the fruit is all about ripe black cherries and chocolate. It hits the sweet spot, but finishes dry.

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena District Collection possesses a dark ruby/purple color as well as sweet black currant and kirsch-like fruit, medium body, very good concentration, spice and wood notes and moderate tannin. A big improvement over pre-Boisset vintages, this attractive 2010 can be drunk now and over the next decade.

This is firm and well-structured with a tight core of cear-laced dried currant, black licorice, road tar and mocha. Ends with gripping tannins. - JL

An ambitious Cabernet that’s part of Raymond’s program of highlighting individual appellations within Napa Valley. This wine is delicious, exhibiting rich, deep flavors of black currants with tasteful accents of oak. While it’s fine to drink now, the tannins and long finish suggest up to eight years in the cellar will be beneficial.