The founder of The Hess Collection, Donald Hess, was attracted to Mount Veeder’s high elevation and challenging mountain climate, believing this rugged land would produce great grapes, leading to even greater wines. Mount Veeder is distinguished in Napa for having the highest elevation, coolest growing season and geographically diverse soils among its valleys and slopes. The Hess Collection Mount Veeder wines are known for complexity, structure and elegance. Our estate vineyards on Mount Veeder are sustainably farmed, as directed by our founder’s guiding philosophy: “Nurture the land, return what you take.”

THE LION CABERNET SAUVIGNON

The Lion has served as the emblem of the Hess family for many generations, and it has come to symbolize the bold and persevering nature of founder Donald Hess. Today, the Lion continues to define the spirit behind the wines of The Hess Collection under the stewardship of the next generation of the Hess family—Tim and Sabrina Persson. “Live Each Day with the Heart and Courage of The Lion” is the Hess family credo, and The Lion Cabernet Sauvignon represents the very best Cabernet Sauvignon we produce from our estate vineyards on Mount Veeder in the very best vintages. The Lion Cabernet Sauvignon is a winemaking collaboration between Consulting Winemaker Celia Welch and Hess Winemaker Dave Guffy, who together craft a wine of distinctive character.

TASTE WITH THE WINEMAKER

“The Lion Cabernet Sauvignon consistently presents an eloquent expression of Mount Veeder fruit with an exceptional refinement in both flavor and texture. Once again this vintage proves to be outstanding, as the rich, delicious entry of blackberry and boysenberry announce an elegantly structured wine. On the palate, concentrated layers of supple blueberry and plum marry with elements of dark chocolate and espresso. This wine is supported by mouthfilling tannins and balanced by a gorgeous acidity. The oak influence is gracefully integrated and marked by subtle sweet vanilla notes on the long, satisfying finish.” – Dave Guffy, Director of Winemaking

2016 VINTAGE NOTES

Vintage 2016 had near perfect weather and continues the streak of great California vintages. Winter gave us our average amount of rainfall followed by a warm spring that allowed most varieties to set a nice crop. August cooled things off and allowed some increase in hang time and we didn’t see any major heat spikes during September and October. Yields were above average for most. Overall, the harvest was another welcomed season, and we find the wines of the vintage to be of excellent quality.