Helms vineyard consists of five acres on gravelly loam, right on the northern edge of the Rutherford bench, planted in 1997 and 1998 to Cabernet Sauvignon clones See and 337. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged for 21 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it rolls out of the glass with seductive scents of Morello cherries, blackcurrant pastilles and mulberries with hints of chocolate mint, violets and forest floor, plus a waft of cinnamon toast. Full-bodied, the palate has an ethereal weight, dancing with bright, vibrant black and blue fruits and a lively line of freshness, textured with beautifully ripe, velvety tannins, finishing long and mineral laced. Wow. 422 cases were made.

From a site around the estate in Rutherford, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is one of the age-worthy, incredibly elegant Cabernets from Napa Valley that could easily be mistaken for a First Growth Pauillac. Revealing a deeper ruby/plum color as well as a great nose of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, cedarwood, and savory herbs, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, elegant texture, integrated tannins, and a great finish.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is a pretty powerful wine. In fact, the 2018 is one of the most reticent, backward recent vintages I can remember tasting. The long, cool growing season yielded a Helms with a dark blue/purplish fruit profile, intense tannins and superb length. My first impression is that the 2018 is going to develop at a snail's pace, which should not be an issue at all for readers who can be patient.