Dana Estates 2011 Lotus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L

With meticulous attention to detail and organic farming practices, Dana Estates presents the 2011 Lotus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that reflects the unique terroir of Napa Valley. In the glass, it showcases a deep garnet hue, hinting at its depth and complexity. On the nose, aromas of fresh-baked creamy raspberry tart mingle with subtle hints of green sweet mint, enticing the senses. Anise notes, characteristic of the Lotus vineyard, make a bold appearance on the palate, accompanied by flavors of darker fruits, cola, and sassafras, all enveloped by the mountain tannin structure. The wine evolves gracefully on the palate, with warm blackberries dominating the finish, while a vibrant freshness keeps the wine balanced and the fruit layered. With 20 months of aging in 100% new French oak barrels, this wine exudes elegance and refinement, promising to evolve further with time. For those patient enough to wait, the tertiary components of the 2011 vintage will continue to develop, rewarding enthusiasts with an even more profound tasting experience 10-15 years down the line.

Robert Parker - 

"Not surprisingly, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard (308 cases of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged 20 months in new French oak) is a lighter style, but it is a successful effort from this vineyard’s decomposed, rocky, volcanic soils. Well-made with no herbaceousness, it offers pretty blueberry and raspberry flavors intertwined with wet rocks, spring flowers and background oak. Bottled early to preserve its fruit, it should be enjoyed over the next 10+ years.

Proprietor Hi Sang Lee has resurrected this once historic estate in Rutherford where the winery was first constructed in 1883 by H. W. Helms. There are four cuvees as of 2010, the Crystal Springs Vineyard on Howell Mountain, the Helms Vineyard in Rutherford, the Hershey Vineyard on Howell Mountain and the Lotus Vineyard in Napa Valley. They also produce a wine called Onda, which is meant to be a more forward styled, lower priced effort. Kudos to Hi Sang Lee and his son for resurrecting this historic estate."

Antonio Galloni - 94 Points

"The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard is the richest and deepest of the three Dana Cabernets in 2011. It captures all of the exotic beauty of the year in its intensely dark fruit and strong savory character. Firm tannins ensure another 5-10 years of very fine drinking, maybe more. The 2011 has quite a bit of fruit, but is also starting to show the first signs of development as it approaches an early plateau of maturity."