Join us in celebrating the iconic Hess Collection, with today’s exclusive offer on their marvelously tasty 2013 “19 block” Mt Veeder Napa Valley Mountain Cuvee.

This wine was the hit of our recent tasting panel. We all marveled at how richly delicious and downright elegant this wine is. Grab some while you still can.

What a nose on this one! Aromas of sweet cherry, blueberry jam, sweet black flower petals, cherry bark, cedar, briar patch, baker’s chocolate, sweet spice, black licorice, blackberry candy and a hint of black pepper.

The palate is delicious and every bit as juicy as the nose portends, with flavors of blackberry, blueberry preserve, cassis, raspberry, baker’s chocolate, black licorice, sweet spice, plum skin, tobacco leaf and cedar.

The Hess Collection recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Back in 1978, Donald Hess acquired his first mountainside property on Mt. Veeder, one of the Napa Valley’s premier wine growing regions. In 1986, the Hess Collection Winery was established.

Their wines and winemakers have gone on to win numerous awards and today the winery stands as an iconic symbol of quality and care for the environment.

Today’s limited wine is very highly recommended.

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Here’s what the wine press has to say:

93 points - Robert M. Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate - “The 2013 Proprietary Red 19 Block Mountain Cuvée is a blend of 61% Malbec, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Syrah, all from the estate on Mt. Veeder. This blend has worked well, exhibiting an opaque purple color, a beautiful nose of incense, camphor, blackberry, licorice and a touch of espresso. It is full-bodied and concentrated, but with supple tannins and a roundness and juiciness – even for a 2013. This should age nicely for at least 10 or more years.

As I indicated last year, the Hess Collection winery up on Mt. Veeder is profiting from a complete makeover and producing better and better wines as well as more special cuvées. This was a winery that burst on the scene in the mid-1980s with some terrific wines and then became moribund. That’s all changing now, as the recent releases strongly evidence.

They have initiated a Small Block Series of wines that are limited production wines, but aimed at showcasing certain grapes and terroirs.”

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90 points - Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast - “This is an estate grown blend of 61% Malbec, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot and 3% Syrah. It sizzles in a mix of huckleberry and blueberry, full-bodied and dusty in tannin. Its juicy and lifted by moderate acidity, with oaky accents of vanilla, nutmeg and clove.”

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90 points - Wilfred Wong - “Not a cookie-cutter wine, the 2013 The Hess Collection 19 Block Mountain Cuvée is a red wine packed with flavor. Savory herbs, black fruit, cocoa powder and a touch of sweet oak make this wine a natural pairing with Asian fusion grilled meat dishes. Drinks well now.”