Hess Lion Tamer Blend 2018

Hess Lion Tamer Blend 2018

 

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Hess
Lion Tamer Blend 2018
  • Vintage : 2018
  • Country : USA
  • Region : California
  • Subregion : Napa
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Rich and Spicy
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,8°
  • Grappes : 47% Malbec, 24% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Syrah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Carignan

Hess Lion Tamer Red Blend is a bold and complex red wine from Napa Valley, California. It is known for its tamed tannins and rich, fruity profile.

Experts Score Vintage
WS Wine Spectator 92 2018
WE Wine Enthusiast 91 2018
RP Robert Parker 90 2016
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

This wine comes from Napa Valley, a renowned wine region known for its high-quality wines. The vineyards benefit from an ideal climate with hot summers and cool autumns, allowing optimal ripening of the grapes. The diverse soils, ranging from rich alluvial to volcanic soils, contribute to the complexity and depth of the wine.

Winemaking

The Lion Tamer Red Blend consists of 47% Malbec, 24% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Carignan. The grapes are hand-harvested. The wine is aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, 40% of which are new, adding subtle toasted oak and vanilla nuances to the wine's profile.

Fun Fact

The name "Lion Tamer" has become the nickname for Malbec within the cellar, as this grape is used to soften the powerful tannins of the other varieties, making the wine more harmonious and pleasant on the palate.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep red with purple highlights.
  • Aroma: Intense aromas of black plum and blackcurrant, with subtle notes of cocoa and vanilla.
  • Palate: The palate is rich and velvety, with concentrated flavors of black fruits (plum, blackcurrant), enveloped by supple, well-integrated tannins. Toasted oak and dark chocolate notes add complexity, and the finish is long and elegant, with a touch of sweetness from the Malbec.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled ribeye steak with pepper sauce
  • Lamb stew with Provençal herbs
  • Aged cheeses like aged Gouda or blue cheese
  • Dark chocolate with cocoa nibs

Wine Spectator (WS) : 92 Points (2018)
Dense huckleberry and blackberry pie notes are rich and succulent on a dense, velvety frame, with details of dark chocolate, chai tea, sarsaparilla and fresh sage linger on the long, expressive finish. Malbec, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Carignan. Drink now through 2034.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 91 Points (2018)
This blend of Malbec, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Carignan is a satisfyingly rich, round and silky. The full-bodied, supple palate boasts flavors of black cherry, currant and blueberry alongside hints of game and tobacco. 

Robert Parker (RP) : 90 Points (2016)
The 2016 Proprietary Red The Lion Tamer is blended of 40% Malbec, 27% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Mourvèdre, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Merlot. It has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and opens with notes of crushed black plums, blackberry compote and wild blueberries with hints of spice box, tobacco and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with juicy black fruits plus plenty of spicy sparks, featuring a plush texture and great freshness supporting the long finish.

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WE
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