“Live Each Day with the Heart and Courage of The Lion” was Donald Hess's favorite credo.

The icon of our portfolio, The Lion represents the very best of winemaking on Mount Veeder. And as our longtime family emblem, we see the lion as a reflection of our spirit of exceptional winemaking unbound by convention.

The Lion Cabernet Sauvignon is solely sourced from our Veeder Hills Vineyard on Mount Veeder, and only 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 aroma, flavor and texture. The 2019 vintage proves to be exemplary, exhibiting 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.”

– Dave Guffy, Director of Winemaking

2019 VINTAGE NOTES

Vintage 2019 began later than normal in some areas, but delivered superb results. Spring was marked by occasional rains, which allowed fruit to mature at a steady pace. Summer helped the grapevines to ripen and catch up from the late start. The warm days and cool nights of the fall allowed gradual sugar accumulation and longer hang times, promising fruit of the highest quality with structural beauty from balanced tannin, sugar and acid levels.