ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 99+ POINTS - "I'm continually awed by the level of dedication, attention to detail and no-compromises attitude at Dana Estates. The three recent vintages tasted (2017, 2018 and 2019) show off the very best Napa Valley has to offer in these years. Readers should note that no 2018 Hershey Vineyard—located high-up on Howell Mountain—was produced, due to issues with smoke taint (drift from the Mendocino Complex Fire that year). This financially difficult decision should go a long way toward maintaining the trust of loyal followers of this estate and, indeed, of such conscientious Napa Valley producers. Fortunately, due to its lower elevation and aspect, Lotus Vineyard was not impacted in 2018 and the wine is utterly gorgeous."
"Lotus Vineyard is just below Howell Mountain, not high enough to make that AVA. A very steep vineyard, 100% hand farmed, Lotus is by far the warmest site for this estate. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (clones 15, 4 and 337), aged for 25 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out of the glass with bold, flamboyant scents of chocolate-covered cherries, wild blueberries and warm cassis with hints of menthol, lilacs, clove oil and crushed rocks plus a waft of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully elegant, delivering vibrant black and blue fruits with a firm, exquisitely fine-grained texture and fantastic freshness, finishing with epic length and energy. 372 cases were made."
ANTONIO GALLONI 96-98 POINTS - "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard is heady, flamboyant and simply breathtaking in its beauty. Sumptuous blackberry fruit, mocha, licorice and sweet spice envelop the palate effortlessly. The tannins are silky and soft, perfectly integrated into the wine's fabric, as is the oak, which can sometimes be prominent in Lotus when it is young. This supremely gracious Cabernet Sauvignon has a very bright future."
"Lotus Vineyard is just below Howell Mountain, not high enough to make that AVA. A very steep vineyard, 100% hand farmed, Lotus is by far the warmest site for this estate. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (clones 15, 4 and 337), aged for 25 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out of the glass with bold, flamboyant scents of chocolate-covered cherries, wild blueberries and warm cassis with hints of menthol, lilacs, clove oil and crushed rocks plus a waft of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully elegant, delivering vibrant black and blue fruits with a firm, exquisitely fine-grained texture and fantastic freshness, finishing with epic length and energy. 372 cases were made."
ANTONIO GALLONI 96-98 POINTS - "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard is heady, flamboyant and simply breathtaking in its beauty. Sumptuous blackberry fruit, mocha, licorice and sweet spice envelop the palate effortlessly. The tannins are silky and soft, perfectly integrated into the wine's fabric, as is the oak, which can sometimes be prominent in Lotus when it is young. This supremely gracious Cabernet Sauvignon has a very bright future."
