Region and Vineyards
Hess The Lion Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 comes from estate vineyards on Mount Veeder, one of Napa Valley's most distinctive mountain appellations. The official Hess notes describe Mount Veeder as marked by high elevation, a challenging mountain climate, a cool growing season and geographically diverse soils across valleys and slopes. Hess farms its Mount Veeder estate vineyards sustainably, following Donald Hess's guiding principle, "Nurture the land, return what you take."
Mount Veeder sits at the south-western end of Napa Valley, above Carneros, and is recognized as one of the coolest Napa mountain AVAs, influenced by breezes from San Pablo Bay. Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant variety here, producing wines with pronounced ageability in this cool mountain terrain. The Lion reflects that profile with concentration, structure and elegance.
Winemaking
The 2018 Hess The Lion Cabernet Sauvignon is an estate-grown blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Malbec. It was harvested between October 22 and 26, 2018, with 14.8% alcohol, pH 3.58 and total acidity of 0.69 g/100 ml. Production was limited to 693 nine-litre cases, underscoring its small-lot, collectible character.
The wine was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, 65% of them new, using barrels from Saury, Sylvain and Orion. Consulting Winemaker Celia Welch and Hess Winemaker Dave Guffy collaborate on this cuvée, which Hess describes as the finest Cabernet Sauvignon produced from its Mount Veeder estate vineyards in the best vintages. The long élevage builds polish, depth and integration, supporting the wine's dark fruit, espresso, chocolate and vanilla tones.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep, saturated ruby-purple with an opaque core, suggesting concentration, ripeness and youthful mountain Cabernet intensity.
- Aroma: Cassis, blackberry, black cherry and plum unfold with dark chocolate, espresso, graphite, vanilla, cedar, bay leaf, violets and warm baking spice.
- Palate: Full-bodied, dense and polished, with mouthfilling tannins, generous black fruit and a firm Mount Veeder backbone. Layers of cassis, blueberry, plum, cocoa, espresso and sweet vanilla carry into a long, satisfying finish.
Did you know?
The lion has been the emblem of the Hess family for generations, symbolizing boldness, perseverance and courage. Hess's family credo, "Live Each Day with the Heart and Courage of The Lion," gives this flagship Cabernet Sauvignon its identity and emotional resonance.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Dry-aged tomahawk steak with black pepper jus: The wine's muscular tannins and cassis-rich core stand up beautifully to richly marbled beef and charred crust.
- Braised beef short ribs with espresso glaze: Slow-cooked meat softens the tannins, while espresso echoes the wine's dark chocolate and roasted coffee nuances.
- Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic: Lamb's savory richness complements the wine's mountain structure, while herbs highlight its bay leaf, cedar and spice notes.
- Aged Comté or clothbound cheddar: Firm, nutty cheeses bring out the wine's vanilla, cocoa and dark fruit depth while balancing its tannic power.
