2019 Hess 'Lion Tamer' Red Blend Napa Valley

Winemaker Notes: The name “Lion Tamer” has become a nickname for Malbec because we use it as our tannin tamer. Much like a Lion Tamer who uses a deft hand to soothe powerful, instinctive animals, Winemaker Dave Guffy uses Malbec to soothe powerful tannins. This red blend brings all the roar of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, and when blended with Malbec, produces a big, lush wine that finishes with smooth and tamed round tannins.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Jeb Dunnuck - "A blend of 47% Malbec, 24% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Carignan, the 2019 Red Blend Lion Tamer sports a healthy ruby hue to go with juicy, fruit-forward notes of blueberries, strawberries, violets, and spice. Ready to go, medium to full-bodied, silky, and pure, it almost reminds me of a great Côtes du Rhône, strangely enough. It's not something to age, but the balance is spot on, it has terrific purity, and it’s just a delicious, high-quality red to drink over the coming couple of years. "


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "This year's blend is 47% Malbec, 24% Zinfandel, 19% Petit Syrah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% each Petit Verdot and Carignan, making the 2019 Lion Tamer Red Blend one of Napa's more eclectic efforts. It offers bold cherry-berry fruit in a full-bodied, supple format. It doesn't have much structure, so enjoy it over the next several years, while the soft tannins on the finish still give it some support. "


James Suckling - "Combining Malbec, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and pinches of Petit Verdot and Carignan, this is a rich and densely packed red that is supple on the palate in integrated tannin. Dark plum, vanilla, cherry cola and toasted oak give it a crowd-pleasing approachability. "