Hess 2016 The Lion Cabernet

The Lion has symbolized the Hess family’s approach to life and accomplishments, supporting the notion that one should “Live Each Day With The Heart And Courage of A Lion.” The Lion well represents the bold and courageous spirit that brought Donald Hess to Mount Veeder nearly four decades ago, with a vision that the rugged terroir of Mount Veeder could produce wines equal to the world’s finest.

The Lion is a winemaking collaboration between consulting winemaker Celia Welch and Hess Winemaker Dave Guffy.

Blend: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, & 2% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 14.8%

97 POINTS - "The estate-grown 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon The Lion was made with the consultancy of Celia Welch (winemaker for Scarecrow) and is made up of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Very deep purple-black colored, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with notions of warm cassis, preserved plums, blueberry pie and chocolate-covered cherries with touches of dried mint, violets, tilled soil, cinnamon stick and smoked meats. Full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid frame of very firm, very ripe grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the expressive black fruit and earthy layers, finishing with fantastic length and depth. Very classy! This should age incredibly." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

92 POINTS - "From the producer’s Mount Veeder vineyards, this wine is blended with 14% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Thick and concentrated in red fruit and oak, it has a strong presence of oak and sage on the palate. The finish is lengthy in black pepper and integrated tannins." - Wine Enthusiast

The Lion Cabernet Sauvignon consistently presents an eloquent expression of Mount Veeder fruit with an exceptional refinement in both flavor and texture. Once again this vintage proves to be outstanding, as the rich, delicious entry of blackberry and boysenberry announce an elegantly structured wine. On the palate, concentrated layers of supple blueberry and plum marry with elements of dark chocolate and espresso. This wine is supported by mouthfilling tannins and balanced by a gorgeous acidity. The oak influence is gracefully integrated and marked by subtle sweet vanilla notes on the long, satisfying finish.