Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana 2019 (750ML)

99 JS / 97+ WI / 97 WA / 95 DE

Incredibly spicy and aromatic with pumice and cloves. Pops out of the glass. Cedar, too. Full-bodied with soft, polished tannins adding tension and creaminess. Long and beautiful. All about class and breeding. Try after 2025.—James Suckling

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Helena Montana Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon needs plenty of swirling to unlock notions of plum preserves, warm cassis, and stewed black cherries, plus suggestions of mossy tree bark, black olives, and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black fruits with a firm, finely grained texture and plenty of freshness to frame the generous fruit, finishing with brightness and a compelling lift. 793 cases were made.—Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent

Deep ruby, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard offers its cassis aromas slowly, continually unfolding to accents of lavender, cured meats, chargrill, coffee and loads of savory spices. Matured 12 months in 70% new French oak, the palate is surprisingly lifted and silky, soaring with youthful fruit and spices, focused acidity and a streak of graphite driving the long finish. 1,379 cases were made. Hélène Seillan notes that the oak is sourced from about 15 different forests in France, and its singular, spicy, integrated oak is part of what makes this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon so distinctive.—Erin Brooks, The Wine Advocate

Powerful but still approachable upon release, the nose reveals blackberry, cherry, black tea, and white pepper. Notes of rich mocha and dried herbs show up shortly after. On the palate, flint and minerals give a savoury edge to the wine, while acidity breathes freshness into this full-bodied wine. The texture is expansive across the palate with supple tannins and a long finish. --SC, Decanter