2018 Helianthus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

JS96 What a beautiful wine with very fine tannins and a creamy, reserved texture. Medium to full body with such tension and beauty. Approachable and delicious. About one fourth made in amphora. Subtle character. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 15% petit verdot, 12% merlot and 2% cabernet franc. Unfined and unfiltered. Drink or hold.
JD95+ There are just over 300 cases of the 2018 He-Li-An-Thus, and it’s a beautiful wine in the lineup from this top-notch estate. Revealing a dense purple color as well as a big, meaty nose of red, blue, and black fruits as well as ample exotic spice, candied flowers, violets, and sandalwood, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a balanced, elegant, focused texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It’s going to benefit from just short-term cellaring and keep for 15-20 years.
Estate Notes: Rich, inky and wonderfully vibrant, the 2018 helianthus pulses with energy from start to finish. Inky dark fruit, gravel, lavender, violet, and dark spice build as the 2018 gradually opens with some aeration. The mid palate is vibrant and powerful, yet also remarkably light on its feet. The smaller than usual berry size in 2018, combined with cooler fermentation temperatures has resulted in a chiseled tannin profile, that is nearly buried in layers of fruit and perfume.Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc. 328 cases