# Mount St. Helena Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (2023)

- **Producer:** Domaine Helena
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.4%
- **Average price:** €57
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, cherry, plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, vanilla, cloves, chocolate, coffee, cedar, tobacco

## About this wine

Domaine Helena is directed by André Guéziec, a former tech entrepreneur who grew up among the vineyards of Alsace, France. After acquiring the estate in early 2022, Guéziec combined advanced viticultural analysis with traditional French winemaking principles. The Mount St. Helena Vineyard was originally planted in 1974 and sits at an elevation of 1,100 feet at the divide between Napa and Lake Counties, nestled between Mount St. Helena and Cobb Mountain.

## Interesting facts

- The vineyard's volcanic soil composition is officially certified by the VINORA Association.
- The estate relies 100% on harvested rainwater for irrigation under rare historic water rights.
- Proprietor André Guéziec transitioned from tech entrepreneurship, drawing on his Alsatian upbringing.

## Food pairing

The full body and firm tannins cut through rich fats and proteins, while savory earthiness in the dish complements the vineyard's volcanic signature.

## Wine making process

Farmed organically (CCOF) and sustainably, the vineyard is irrigated exclusively with pure harvested rainwater under historic water rights. Vinification involves small-lot fermentations utilizing native yeasts with controlled extraction to preserve freshness and low-intervention fruit clarity. The wine is aged 12 to 20 months in French oak barrels with a small portion of American oak integrated into select cuvées.