the • wine
To capture the essence of the site, we believe that the vines and soil must receive lavish care and attention. Meticulous pruning, precise canopy work, use of compost tea preparations, and low yields are all practiced in tune with the rhythm of the growing season.
At harvest, the fruit is picked over numerous passes based on physiological ripeness, regardless of variety. The composition of each individual co-fermentation is not predetermined, and varies dependent on vintage character.
In the cellar, the fruit is sorted and fermented in small lots using native yeast. Each lot is barreled down into custom large format tight grained oak, as well as clay/ceramic vessels. Then aged on lees (with no racking), before being blended and bottled with no fining or filtration.The Helianthus embodies the spirit of our work; beautiful to the senses, but with extreme precision in arrangement.
2021 he•li•an•thus rosé
Our direct press Rose offers a unique blend of complexity and freshness. We basket press, and ferment with native yeast in stainless steel to retain aromatic intensity. Lees aging adds depth and fine structure.
Merlot, Cabernet Franc. 114 cases
— Jason Exposto
2020 he•li•an•thus rosé
Once again, we picked the fruit in the cool early morning and sorted directly into the basket press. The juice was run directly to stainless barrels for wild fermentation.
Cabernet Franc, Merlot. 112 cases
— Jason Exposto
2019 he•li•an•thus rosé
Refreshing and complex rosé from a cool pocket of the vineyard. Based on Cabernet Franc with a small contribution of Petit Verdot. We hand-picked this small parcel, basket pressed the whole clusters, and fermented cool with native yeast. Our impression…
Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. 80 cases
— Jason Exposto
2021 he•li•an•thus sauvignon blanc
Pure aromas of quince, apricot, honeysuckle and lime zest. expansive and silky on the palate, but full of energy – pink apple, white raspberry, and grilled stone fruit. with more time in the glass, layers of pastry-like texture build around the seductive floral qualities, making for a fascinating interplay of energy and texture.
Hand picked, basket pressed, native yeast & barrel fermented, bottled unfined and unfiltered.
136 cases
2020 he•li•an•thus sauvignon blanc
Sourced from a cool pocket of the vineyard and picked over numerous passes. We basket press the whole clusters and run the cool juice to seasoned French oak barrels, where the native yeast ferments the wines to dryness. We age for several months on lees before bottling unfined and unfiltered.
163 cases
— Jason Exposto
2019 he•li•an•thus sauvignon blanc
From a cool north facing site, we harvested our small parcel over several passes. Our intent was to capture the flavors toward the fresher end of the spectrum (crystalline green and yellow hues), to synergize with the natural richness and acidity of these dry farmed vines. In the winery hand sorting, basket pressing, and fermenting with indigenous yeasts from the vineyard, further refine the view.
In the glass the blanc is elevated in its texture and aromatic presence. While at the same time having a refreshment factor and acid line we enjoy. 84 cases
— Jason Exposto
2019 he•li•an•thus
A pleasant and even picking window let Jason pick the grapes without any rush from the elements. once picked, he did thirty percent whole berry fermentations, then the wine rested and aged in large format barrels and an amphora.
223 cases
— James Suckling
2018 he•li•an•thus
Rich, inky and wonderfully vibrant, the 2018 helianthus pulses with energy from start to finish. Inky dark fruit, gravel, lavender, violet, and dark spice build as the 2018 gradually opens with some aeration. The mid palate is vibrant and powerful, yet also remarkably light on its feet. The smaller than usual berry size in 2018, combined with cooler fermentation temperatures has resulted in a chiseled tannin profile, that is nearly buried in layers of fruit and perfume.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc. 328 cases
— James Suckling
2017 he•li•an•thus
Immediate in expression, the bouquet of blackcurrant, raspberry coulis, and spring florals are complemented by touches of graphite from the Cabernet. The palate is layered, and packed with black and red fruit laced with minerals, crushed stone, and a touch of India ink. The finish fans out with a fine bed of tannin and accents of powdery blue fruit.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. 203 cases
— Jeb Dunnuck
2016 he•li•an•thus
The 2016 helianthus is a wine that draws you in. Vibrant aromatics and silky, lacy textural nuances speak to finesse above all else. Crème de cassis, blackberry preserve, chocolate, alpine herbs and wild flowers all grace the palate, with a fabric like tannin that accentuates the wine's purity. With time in the glass more volcanic and mineral impressions add to this perfumed complexity.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc. 355 cases
— Antonio Galloni
2015 he•li•an•thus
Seamless and opulent yet built more on finesse than power, the 2015 is a clear expression of this site. Aromatics shimmer between lifted rose petal, lavender and a host of other floral and spice notes. With air and time in the glass, more dark and mysterious shadings are introduced. On the palate, expressive savory and floral notes give the sumptuous dark fruit considerable freshness and buoyancy through a soil borne tannin line.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc. 232 cases
— Jeb Dunnuck
2014 he•li•an•thus
A true wine of place, the 2014 is alluring but authoritative. Scents of small dark cherries, Indian ink and lush florals are penetrating while maintaining a sense of space. The palate is harmonious and animated; cassis, dark fleshed fruits and accents of sweet tobacco are lifted by a violet top note. An undertow of svelte, mineral rich tannins build into a fragrant rolling finish. The vintage is accessible in its youth (with a minimal decant), yet has the substance to go on for decades.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc. 374 cases
— Robert Parker
2013 he•li•an•thus
The 2013 is a distillation of florals and fruit. Vibrant aromas of crushed lavender, black tea, and blue fruits are voluminous and layered. On the palate there is superb levity and richness; creme de cassis, licorice, and wild savory meld into a sweet core, and are framed by an ethereal sense of purity. The ample concentration and structure of the wine is pixilated into a thrilling fabric of fruit and perfume. This wine will continue to reward those with patience and cold cellars.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc. 508 cases
— Robert Parker