He-Li-An-Thus 2015 Futo

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (94)

This is not a Futo property, but it is made by Futo. The 2015 Proprietary Red He-Li-An-Thus is blended of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 19% Petit Verdot and 7% Cabernet Franc, all co-fermented. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it comes bounding out of the glass like a young pup with bold, expressive scents of black and red cherries, wild blueberries and rose hips plus touches of bay leaves, pencil shavings and Marmite. Medium-bodied and elegantly styled, with beautiful freshness and vivacity, it has a chewy frame and long savory finish. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. 257 cases were made.

James Suckling (97)

This is exotic and bright with dark berries, fresh mushrooms, underbrush and hints of peaches. Dense and layered with velvety tannins that are lightly austere, giving the wine form and brightness. A slightly more opulent style than the ones in the past. Hard to say if 2014 is better or not.

BOW (8.75)

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

Moving to the 2015s and from a single vineyard off the Old Soda Spring road (this is purchased fruit, yet the farming is managed by the Futo team), the 2015 He-Li-An-Thus has beautiful purity and complexity in its floral, cassis, blueberry, spice and rose petal-scented bouquet. This carries to a full-bodied, ripe, unctuous beauty that has sweet tannin and a great, great finish. It can be enjoyed today or cellared for 15-20 years.