Dana Estates
About Dana Estates
Nestled at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains in the Napa Valley, Dana Estates is dedicated to the production of numerous truly distinctive world-class wines. Dana is in fact a Sanskrit term meaning “Spirit of Generosity”, and it is in this spirit that the team at Dana Estates expresses a profound appreciation for those that have worked the soil before them, as they build on the foundations laid by previous generations of winemakers.
Dana Estates is the third winery to occupy this piece of vineyard land in the heart of the famed Rutherford Bench. First farmed and developed by German viticulturalist H. W. Helms in 1883, it was purchased in 1976 by John and Diane Livingston and served as the home for Livingston Moffett winery until proprietor Hi Sang Lee bought the property in 2005. The winery was re-designed by renowned architect Howard Backen as a result of the heavy investment courtesy of its new owner in a quest to ensure that the facilities of the estate would enable the production of consistently world-class wines, whilst also employing the legendary Philippe Melka as consultant. The results have been nothing short of outstanding.
Dana Estates produces three single vineyard wines, from sites displaying dramatic differences: Helms Vineyard (Rutherford), Hershey Vineyard (Howell Mountain) and Lotus Vineyard (above St. Helena). Each vineyard is farmed organically at low yields to allow the unique qualities of each site to be expressed in the bottle.
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Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Just about pure perfection, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard comes from vines around the estate, just outside of Rutherford, which were planted in 1997. Sensational notes of crème de cassis, burning embers, bay leaf, and graphite all flow to a full-bodied 2015 that has a deep, layered, multi-dimensional texture that’s hard to describe. With building structure and a beautiful floral character that emerges with time in the glass, perfect balance, and a huge finish, this quintessential Napa Cabernet will benefit from a few years of bottle age and cruise for 3-4 decades. Bravo!$1,785.00 -
(3x75cl) 2017Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96+)
A regal, soaring wine, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Helms Vineyard is all finesse. Dried cherry, cinnamon, star anise and blood orange add an exotic flair that adds to the wine's beguiling personality. In 2017, the Helms is a bit understated and medium in body, with less of the breadth of the very best years. Even so, it is a gorgeous Cabernet full of allure and potential. I won't be surprised if it is even more compelling in another few years' time.$1,465.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Sweet white chocolate with currant, plum and subtle hazelnut on the nose. Some other spices, such as nutmeg and cloves. Floral. Full-bodied with extremely fine tannins that go on and on. Beautiful center plate that is dense yet polished and fine and continues on. Exceptional. Fantastic finish. Drinkable now, but needs four or five years to show it’s true greatness.$1,220.00 -
(1x150cl) 2014Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard is in a fine place for drinking today. Hints of espresso, spice, lavender, mocha and dried herbs give the 2014 lovely aromatic presence to match its mid-weight personality. There is a bit of firmness in the tannins, but that is the signature of the year. The linear intensity here is impressive.$1,200.00 -
(1x150cl) 2015Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard is a dark, mysterious wine. Black cherry, new leather, incense, mocha, licorice, lavender and espresso fill out the layers. There is a bit more oak influence here, but it works quite well with the style and character of Howell Mountain. This dark, sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon is superb. What a gorgeous wine. This is the best showing yet for the 2015 Hershey since I tasted it in barrel nearly ten years ago.$1,130.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hershey Vineyard is a dark, mysterious wine. Black cherry, new leather, incense, mocha, licorice, lavender and espresso fill out the layers. There is a bit more oak influence here, but it works quite well with the style and character of Howell Mountain. This dark, sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon is superb. What a gorgeous wine. This is the best showing yet for the 2015 Hershey since I tasted it in barrel nearly ten years ago.$1,230.00 -
(3x75cl) 2014Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard is a heady, exuberant wine. Succulent black cherry, plum, blood orange, sweet spice, menthol and espresso build beautifully in the glass, framed by soft, silky contours that add to the wine's racy, open-knit personality. This has come along so well.$2,000.00 -
$1,865.00 -
$736.00

