Hess The Lion Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 750ml

Hess 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 mouth-filling 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.

Opaque and concentrated at first glance, this Hess The Lion Cabernet wine is dense and rather forthcoming with aromas of cassis, blackberries, and a sense of juiciness one can almost smell. All this concentrated fruit is wrapped in a veritable “pie crust” of fine and exotic aromas derived from new French oak barrels such as cedar, chocolate, mulling spices, and sandalwood.

The textural harmonies pull at your palate with sweet, ultra-ripe fruit, while notable tannins provide the supporting structure to all this opulence. While wines of this style are traditionally aged many years, it would be a shame not to enjoy this wonderfully ripe, young wine in the near term before putting some away for the long haul.

A new, high-end offering from this producer, this wine is made to celebrate and luxuriate in the appellation, which it does in its ying-yang of dark chocolate and cedar. Bright acidity uplifts a soft, creamy texture and firm, subtle tannin, allowing the blackberry bramble to speak.