St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon Reviews

I loved the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection St. Helena, and this is such a sweet spot for world class Cabernet in the valley. Beautiful cassis and currant fruits, textbook tobacco, spice, and lead pencil aromatics, medium to full-bodied richness, and ultra-fine tannins all define this beauty, and while it’s already hard to resist, I see no reason it shouldn’t evolve for two decades. The balance, as well as the tannins, are spot on.

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon St Helena District Collection opens with a deep garnet-purple color and a savory/meaty nose of smoked bacon, earth, crème de cassis and incense with suggestions of cinnamon stick, cloves and dried flowers. The full-bodied mouth is velvety and well balanced with plenty of expressive, subtle flavor layers and a long, earthy finish.

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.