KNIGHTS VALLEY
Knights Valley is a remote winegrowing region bridging Sonoma and Napa Counties. It’s an untamed landscape defined by rugged
mountains, steep hillsides, placid meadows and abundant wildlife. Even though this AVA has produced some of the world’s
greatest wines, it is still a mystery to most. Set along the flanks and foothills of Mount St. Helena and the Mayacamas Mountains,
this rustic sanctuary possesses the sparse volcanic soils and cusp maritime climate needed to produce elegant, profound and
age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons.
HELENA DAKOTA VINEYARD
This 12.4 acre vineyard runs southeast to northwest on the eastern side of scenic Highway 128 and possesses slopes of up to 15
degrees. Prevailing westerly winds pass over a large, cold pond and blow uphill, parallel to the rows of vines. These cooling
breezes slow down the ripening of the grapes and result in wines that are packed with elegance, complexity and finesse. A pure
mountain stream and rocky ridge separate this vineyard from our Helena Montana vineyard.
VIGNERON NOTES
The 2017 growing season was defined by plentiful rain in the winter followed by mild conditions in spring and summer. To preserve
the natural acidity in the grapes, picking began early on September 12th in the Dakota vineyard. The wines were resting in barrel
prior to the Sonoma County Tubbs fire in October, therefore remained unaffected by any smoke taint. The 2017 Helena Dakota
expresses perfumed aromatics of violet blossom and blackberry liquor with subtle notes of menthol and dried black currants. The
luxurious, silky palate is accompanied by hints of toasted baking spices and tobacco leaf. Each element is beautifully integrated
and complimented with velvety tannins and vibrant acidity, for which drive its satisfyingly long finish.