2013 Hess The Lion Napa

For nine generations 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.

“Opaque and concentrated at first glance, this 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.” – Dave Guffy, Director of Winemaking