Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Grown in the volcanic soils of our estate-owned vineyards, Anakota Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the rustic spirit of rural Sonoma County. Our vineyards climb the southwest-facing slopes of 4,300ft. Mount St. Helena, and are surrounded by a wilderness of cold mountain streams and forests of native fir and oak. The message of our soil, as expressed by the subtle variations of topography and geology, is conveyed in every bottle.

Tasting Notes

An opaque, dark violet core of color gives rise to vibrant aromas of dried black currant, dried blackberry, and sun-dried Herbs de Provence. These powerful flavors wash across the palate along with dark chocolate covered espresso beans and very subtle toasted baking spices, indicating limited exposure to new French oak. Supple tannins frame the palate, while mouth-watering acidity provides a perfect counterbalance, leading to a long finish.

Reviews:

96 James Suckling

"A classic California cabernet with great structure, abundant black fruit flavors and a lingering finish. This is built for further aging, and its blackcurrant, black cherry and dried blueberry flavors will mature and evolve. Full-bodied, firmly tannic and nicely layered. Drinkable now, but best from 2030."

93 Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley is the second vintage of Anakota's second-label Cabernet, meant for drinking in the near term rather than the cellaring required for the Helena Dakota and Helena Montana. "I may make more in the future where I can, but it depends on the vintage," assistant winemaker and second-generation vigneron Hélène Seillan says. It's blended with 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot and was matured for 12 months in 30% new French oak. Already bottled, it offers pretty aromas of blueberries and cassis with tones of violet, coffee grounds, earth and mushroom. The medium-bodied palate is supple and juicy, with ripe yet not over-the-top fruit and a long, graphite-laced finish. There's a lot less new oak on this cuvée, and it really works! Around 1,500 cases were made."