Hess The Lion Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

This is a rich cabernet-based red with roundness and generosity. Full and flavorful with currant, pine cone and vanilla and a juicy finish. 84% cabernet sauvignon and 16% malbec. Give this a few years to come together.

Blended with 16% Malbec and aged almost two years in 65% new French oak, Hess's 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon The Lion presents a striking purple hue in the glass. Scents of mocha and pencil shavings emerge, followed by snaky tendrils of cassis and blueberries and hints of sage and bay leaf. It's full-bodied and intense, with bold fruit, supple tannins and a bright, mouthwatering finish framed by soft tannins. While almost approachable now, it should be even better in five years and drink well for at least 10 more after that.

Gorgeously lush and seductive up front, showing açaí, blueberry and boysenberry compote flavors that are hefty but glide through, with anise, apple wood and fruitcake details that seemingly sparkle as it all cruises through the finish. Features a perfectly embedded graphite spine underneath it all, which should let this version evolve slowly in the cellar. Delivers a flashy display of fruit carried off with aplomb. Best from 2023 through 2038.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon The Lion has lots of exotic red, blue, and black fruits as well as more cedarwood, spice, and tobacco-like aromatics. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, has good concentration, and enough tannins (which are classic Mt. Veeder) Rating: 92+