The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana, from chalk soils with western-facing exposition, is the most exuberant in terms of its aromatics, with candied flowers, cherry liqueur, sweet tobacco, and graphite. The fruit fills the palate up front and through the mid-palate, with a refreshing spine of acidity and great mineral texture. The tannins are ripe and well-integrated. This is a delicious wine out of the gate and will be worth holding onto and checking in on over the next 20 years.

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.- EB

96+ The 2019 Helena Dakota Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple in color. It tears out of the glass with wildly expressive scents of creme de cassis, dried sage, iron ore, and cedar chest, giving way to notions of crushed rocks and black truffles. Full-bodied, the palate has a sturdy structure of ripe, grainy tannins and just enough freshness supporting the tightly knit, muscular layers, finishing long and minerally. 1,379 cases were made. The vineyard here is now 22 years old. Located at the most eastern side of Sonoma, in Knights Valley, near Peter Michael estate, a gap allows the cooling wind to come here from the Pacific Ocean.

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.