Hess Collection 2017 Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

The Lion Tamer Cab is from the Hess Luxury Collection representing their finest wines. The name Lion Tamer has become Hess Collection Winemaker Dave Guffy's nickname for Malbec because it's his tannin tamer. Guffy uses Malbec to soothe the powerful tannins of the big, bold, mountain fruit that the Hess Collection vineyards on Mt. Veeder are famous for.

For this Cab he blends 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah and 8% Malbec. The wine aged in 33% new French and American oak barrels for 20 months.


The Wine Advocate scored this 91 points saying "A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah and 8% Malbec, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Lion Tamer is a little closed to begin, giving way to earthy scents of tilled black soil, charcoal, truffles and crushed rocks over a core of warm cassis, plum preserves, cigar box and camphor. Full-bodied and densely packed with juicy black fruits and earthy sparks, it has a lovely line of freshness and a firm level of grainy tannins to support, finishing long with a minty kick."

Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 91 points saying "With 11% Petite Sirah and 8% Malbec in the blend, this is no shy undertaking. Robust, fleshy dark fruit flavors are enveloped by a voluptuous texture. Currant and toasted oak form the core of the midpalate as a hint of cigar comes into play on the finish."