The Lion Cabernet Sauvignon
The pinnacle Cabernet Sauvignon of The Hess Collection. Vintage 2019 is now available.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Awarded 97 points by Jim Gordon of Wine Enthusiast.
Awarded 95 points by James Suckling.
VINTAGE NOTES
The season began later than normal, but delivered superb results. Spring was marked by occasional rains, which allowed fruit to mature at a steady pace. The warm days and cool nights of autumn allowed gradual flavor accumulation and longer hang times, promising fruit of the highest quality with structural beauty.
WINEMAKER NOTES
The Lion is an exceptional expression of Mount Veeder.
Aromas of lush blackberry mountain fruit and bramble with an earthy, brown spice undertone. Velvety, round tannins create a silky, lush entry with a structured backbone intensified by flavors of dark cocoa and black fruits. Married together by subtle sweet vanilla and baking spices that embody the long finish.
VINEYARD: Veeder Hills, Mount Veeder
VARIETY: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot
ALCOHOL: 14.55%
COOPERAGE: 65% New French Oak for 22 months. Coopers: Saury, Sylvain, Orion
Dave Guffy & Celia Welch
The Lion Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a winemaking collaboration between Consulting Winemaker Celia Welch and Hess Persson Estates Director of Winemaking Dave Guffy.
Dave Guffy has been making exceptional wines for The Hess Collection for over 20 years, focusing on maximizing quality in our vineyards. His passion for making fruit-forward California-style wines with power and elegance shines through in every vintage.
Celia Welch, one of Napa’s most acclaimed winemakers, arrived in the Valley in the late 1980s and has been a trailblazer for women in wine. Her track record over the last three decades is impeccable, including her work with Scarecrow, Barbour, Corra, and Stalworth.
Veeder Hills
The original vineyard site acquired by Donald Hess, we’ve been cultivating Veeder Hills since 1978. For minimal soil and vine disturbance, almost all vineyard work is done by hand. Fruit is handpicked.
ELEVATION: 600 – 1,120 feet
ACREAGE: 502
ACRES PLANTED: 98.58
VARIETALS: 2% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, 95% Cabernet Sauvignon
SOIL SERIES: Bressa, Felton
MOUNT VEEDER
The Mount Veeder AVA is distinguished in Napa for having the highest elevation, coolest growing season, and geographically diverse soils. Steep slopes and extreme conditions cause low yields—about half the Napa Valley average.