Hess Collection 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Allomi Vyd., Napa Valley

The Allomi vineyard lies in the gently rolling hills of northeastern Napa Valley, where the combination of a typically long, warm growing season and well-drained soils create optimal ripening conditions. Sustainably farmed, the 210-acre vineyard is focused into 35 unique growing blocks with six different Cabernet clones that add diversity of flavors and complexity to the wine. In each vintage, winemakers evaluate the grapes and select only the finest components for this cuvée.

This 2018 is the latest release, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Sirah, 5% Malbec, 2% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine aged in 27% new American oak for 18 months.

James Suckling scored this 92 points saying "A fruity cabernet with currant, black-cherry and berry aromas and flavors. Medium-to full-bodied with soft tannins and a juicy finish. Yummy now. Drink or hold."

Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded this an Editors' Choice and scored it 90 points saying "Blended with small amounts of Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec, this likable pour offers perfumed red fruit and bright acidity within a full-bodied, integrated core of smooth texture. A background of herbal notes complements the dense black cherry and blackberry core."


Wine Spectator scored this 90 points saying "A polished, direct style, with warmed plum. and blackberry fruit laced with cocoa and tobacco notes. A rounded edge on the finish makes this accessible now, but there's enough for brief cellaring too."