The story of Anakota begins deep in the heart of Knights Valley in rural Sonoma County. Located in an ancient volcanic zone, this relatively untouched and unknown place offers incredibly unique and diverse soils with a climate perfectly suited to Bordeaux varietals. Sourced from estate-owned vineyards, Anakota is a collection of single vineyard; single varietal, Knights Valley appellation wines that personify the rustic elegance and spirit of rural Sonoma County. Rising more than 4,000 feet above sea level, Mount St. Helena looks down on our two prized estate-owned vineyards Helena Dakota and Helena Montana, which are quietly situated on the rugged flanks of the Mayacamas Mountain Range.
Winemaker, Pierre Seillan, first learned the essentials of terroir working at his family’s estate in Armagnac. After moving to California in 1998 and working in the vineyards of Sonoma County, Pierre saw something truly unique and special in Knights Valley. Unlike his other wines, which are made by blending different varieties from different vineyard appellations, Pierre became inspired by the Knights Valley terroir and had a vision to craft a single expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from this single appellation. In 2001, he crafted the inaugural vintage of Anakota, representing his only single vineyard, single variety wine, expressive of the rustic elegance and spirit of Sonoma County’s Knights Valley.
2013 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.
Elevation: 750 feet
Soil: Red-brown, silt loam
Vineyard: Deep roots, larger vines
Flavor profile: Complex red fruits, floral coffee, minerality and elegant tannins
Acclaim: 98 points- Robert Parker Jr. October 2015
2013 Helena Montana Vineyard
Running northeast to southwest on the eastern side of scenic Highway 128, the Helena Montana vineyard offers ever-changing topography, including rolling hills and steep benches with slopes of up to 30 degrees. This juxtaposition of hills, knolls and trees routes cool, westerly winds away from the vines. Planting vines perpendicular to the prevailing winds provides even more protection. A pure mountain stream and rocky ridge separate this vineyard from our Helena Dakota vineyard.
Elevation: 950 feet
Soil: Yellow-white sandy and gravelly loam
Vineyard: Shallow roots, stressed vines
Flavor profile: Dark fruit, candied cherries, smoke, spice, and muscular tannins
Acclaim: 96+ Points - Robert Parker, Jr., October 2015
The Offer
Please note that wines are limited and quantities may be allocated to accommodate as many members as possible.
Helena Dakota
$110
Helena Montana
$110
Ordering
For all questions and orders, contact Wine Director, Jeff McCarthy. Let us know if you would like your wine shipped or placed in your wine locker. Sales tax and appropriate shipping will be added to all orders. Allow 2-3 weeks for account processing and shipping. During extreme weather, wine orders may be held until it is safe to ship.
Jeff McCarthy, Wine Director
[email protected]
707.569.2906 |
