2013 Hess Collection "19 Block Mountain Cuvée" Mount Veeder Red Blend

93RP

$24.99

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Wine Advocate

Reviewed December 2016

The 2013 Proprietary Red 19 Block Mountain Cuvée is a blend of 61% Malbec, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Syrah, all from the estate on Mt. Veeder. This blend has worked well, exhibiting an opaque purple color, a beautiful nose of incense, camphor, blackberry, licorice and a touch of espresso. It is full-bodied and concentrated, but with supple tannins and a roundness and juiciness-even for a 2013. This should age nicely for at least 10 or more years. As I indicated last year, the Hess Collection winery up on Mt. Veeder is profiting from a complete makeover and producing better and better wines as well as more special cuvées. This was a winery that burst on the scene in the mid-1980s with some terrific wines and then became moribund. That’s all changing now, as the recent releases strongly evidence. They have initiated a Small Block Series of wines that are limited production wines, but aimed at showcasing certain grapes and terroirs. (RP)

Notes

Hess put themselves on the map in the late'80s/ early '90s by making some of the best value wines in the market from serious vineyards on Mount Veeder and near the San Pablo bay, not to mention from purchased fruit across California. The problem at some point is the brand lost its identity and dedication to quality sometime in the early '00s. They created more tiered labels than anyone could understand, or keep straight and what they built slowly receded to just another brand on supermarket or "big box" stores shelves. So then why, you may ask, are we putting these wines in front of you? It's because Hess has completely rededicated themselves to quality over the last few years on all levels. They've gone green in the vineyards (sustainable and certified Napa Green), cut way back on production and are focusing on estate grown wines from the aforementioned vineyards. All in all it is a great comeback story capped off by the affordable and tremendous wines that we have today. (Bryan Brick, K&L)

Details

Type	Red Wine
Varietal	Cabernet Sauvignon and Blends
Origin	Napa Valley, California, United States
Bottle Size	750 mL
Alcohol Content	14.9%
SKU	1287237