The Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Allomi Vineyard 2010

Aromen: Reife Pflaumen, Lakritze, Zedernholz, Korinthen und Toast. Gaumen: Zuerst schwarze Kirschen, gefolgt von fleischigen Pflaumen. Gut strukturierter Cabernet: tief, konzentriert, mit reifen Gerbstoffen, nachhaltig. Ein Napa Valley Klassiker!

Tucked away on Naparsquo;s steep Mt. Veeder, Hess Collection Winery is home to a wonderful gallery of artworks from the latter half of the 20th century that reflects the passion of Donald Hess for living artists and their contemporary work. Mr. Hess also has an obvious passion for making good wine, as evidenced by his 2001 Estate Cabernet, itself a work of art. Beginning with its beautiful dark ruby color and aromas of dark berry, coffee and mocha, you are keenly aware that you are about to experience a masterpiece. It is full-bodied and well-structured, exhibiting notes of cherry and blackberry with subtle tannins. This exceptional cabernet will age well for five years but is ready for unveiling now.

A supple, rich and complex wine, with tasty mocha, currant and blackberry fruit that offers good concentration and depth, especially at this price. Drink now through 2010.

This is a good wine that can hold its own among some far more expensive bottlings. Itrsquo;s ripe in currants and cassis, and well-oaked, with elaborate tannins. The mouth impression is of elegance, intensity and balance.

Big, plummy and ripe, with a wild berry and cedary oak base. This Napa Valley Cabernet makes a wonderful gift and is a catch-all red. The tannins are round and appealing with a pretty herbaceous hint on the finish. Great with savory red meat dishes, or for something new and adventurous, try it with a rich, dark chocolate cake.

Hess almost always nails the vintage, and this is a nice example of a good, not great, Cab. It tastes mountainy, to judge from the tannins and fruit concentration. Will be good now with rich, well-marbled beef, but should develop for a few years.

Ripe and firm, with broad-shouldered blueberry, black currant, fresh herb and cedar flavors. Spicy, toasty oak and solid tannins frame solid, concentrated fruit on the lingering finish. Excellent value. Drink now through 2009.