Wine Advocate (98)

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota (445 cases) is absolutely magnificent. Opaque black/purple in color, it comes across like a Château Montrose from a great vintage – a very earthy St.-Estèphe-inspired wine with the essence of loamy soil and crushed rocks interwoven with blackberry and cassis fruit. Some oak makes an appearance, but it is pushed to the background by the extravagance and enormous body and extract of this wine of phenomenal intensity. This is a classic Pierre Seillan style of wine meant for 25-40 years of cellaring.

Wine Advocate (97)

Very deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard has a compelling savoriness of char-grilled meat and roasted nuts on the nose with a core of crème de cassis, violets and crushed plums plus a touch of garrigue. Medium-bodied and tautly structured with firm, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, it has a incredible depth of primary fruit and earthy layers, finishing with incredible length and a lovely mineral hint. 432 cases produced.

James Suckling (97)

This is stunning on the nose with crushed cassis, like creme de cassis, and violets. So beautiful to smell. Medium to full body. Compact, refined tannins flow across the palate to the borders of the wine. All about balance, freshness and purity. One of the best ever. Drink or hold.

Wine Advocate (99)

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard was aged for 12 months in 100% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has a profound yet slightly broody nose to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal wonderfully fragrant notes of wild blueberries, black cherries, dark chocolate and warm cassis, followed by nuances of garrigue, violets, tar and licorice plus a touch of wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has gorgeous velvety tannins and finely knit freshness supporting generous black and blue fruits, finishing very long and achingly fragrant. Wow. 1,000 cases were made.

Wine Advocate (97+)

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard spent 12 months in 100% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with bold scents of fresh blackberries, black currants and mulberries plus suggestions of cedar chest, pencil lead, iron ore and truffles, with emerging wafts of crushed rocks and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers firm, grainy, exquisitely ripe tannins and seamless freshness supporting layer upon layer of black fruits, finishing on a long-lingering fragrant earth note. 800 cases were made.

Donelan Obsidian Syrah 2014 is a captivating blend crafted in California's boutique Donelan Family Wines estate. This exquisite wine embraces 100% Syrah grapes, handpicked from vineyards nestled in volcanic obsidian-strewn soils in Knights Valley. Maturing for 20 months in French oak barrels, this Syrah delivers a remarkable depth of flavours.

With lush, powerful notes of black fruit, the 2014 vintage offers the perfect balance of intensity and elegance. Exhibiting a rich, velvety texture offset against undertones of earthy minerals and subtle exotic spices, it culminates in a layered finish that lingers on the palate. Each sip of Donelan Obsidian Syrah 2014 reveals its complex structure, built on low-yield, high-intensity viticulture and nuanced winemaking.

Endorsed by esteemed wine critics alike, this is indeed a testament to Napa's terroir and Donelan's dedication to producing extraordinary wines. Donelan Obsidian Syrah 2014, a sophisticated choice for discerning connoisseurs.

From one of Santa Rosa's most coveted microclimates, the Donelan Obsidian Syrah 2015 is an elegant masterpiece of viticulture. Revered wine producer, Donelan Family Wines, patiently cultivates Syrah grapes on the rocky, challenging terrain of their Obsidian Vineyard. A unique volcanic soil and climate lead to an astoundingly complex profile in every bottle, matured in frozen French oak barrels for 20 months.

Distinctive for its rich, dark hue, the Donelan Obsidian Syrah 2015 immediately intrigues with an aromatic bouquet of black cherries, dark chocolate, and smoky minerals. On the palate, it boasts elegantly layered flavours from peppery spice, anchored by robust tannins, culminating in a long, satisfying finish. Awarded 95 points by Wine Advocate, this Californian red showcases Donelan's unerring dedication to uncompromising quality and terroir-driven character.

A well-structured wine, cellaring can produce sensational complexity after 5-10 years, further testament to the remarkable longevity of the Donelan Obsidian Syrah 2015.

James Suckling (97)

Love the sweet berries, black olives, tile and fresh herbs on the nose with floral undertones. Oyster shell, too. Full-bodied with round, creamy tannins that are beautifully polished and refined. Very long finish. All about finesse and wonderful length. 68% cabernet sauvignon, 19% cabernet franc, 10% merlot and 3% petit verdot. Drink after 2023.

James Suckling (99)

This is very perfumed with blackberry and pine-cone aromas, as well as raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that are tight-grained. Creamy and beautiful. Currant and graphite flavors come through. Lightly chewy at the end. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Drink after 2025.

James Suckling (95)

Very attractive aromas of dried apricot, citrus rind and cooked apple follow through to a full body with a creamy, layered palate that shows tension and intensity. Really enjoy the phenolic focus and length. Almost chewy. like a red wine. Just a hint of dried peach and nuts at the end. Drink now or hold. Maybe even decant.