97 pts - Wine Advocate
The 57-acre estate vineyard includes the Helms Vineyard in Rutherford, which is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and usually produces small quantities of less than 300 cases. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms is sensational. Its opaque purple color, which is common among the 2012 and 2013 Bordeaux varietals in Napa, leads to a spectacularly flamboyant and aromatic nose of earth, graphite, blackberry and cassis. The wine is rich, full-bodied, and again, concentrated, pure and dense, with sweet melted tannins nicely integrated, along with the French oak (about 100% new). This wine has a good 30+ years of upside to it. - Robert M. Parker, Jr. (30-10-2015)
90 pts - Wine Spectator
Though massive and extracted, this is also approachable, as the core of dark berry, cedary oak, dried herb and tobacco leaf gives this a distinct flavor and textural presence. The level of tannin may be a concern. Best from 2019 through 2030. 281 cases made. — JL (11/2016)
95 pts - Vinous
Dana's 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard opens with exquisite, floral-laced aromatics. Rose petal, mint, hard candy, sweet red cherry and cinnamon are all nicely delineated in the glass. Plump, forward and generous, the 2013 Helms is surprisingly approachable today for the year, but there is plenty of stuffing and structure underneath.- Antonio Galloni (10/2015)
