Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, California

A long, cool growing season gives 2023 Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon a fresh thread beneath its generous dark fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon leads the blend, complemented by Petite Sirah and Malbec, while eighteen months in French and American oak bring subtle toast and spice. The result is a plush, structured red with supple tannins and an inviting balance of richness and freshness.

Product Details:

• Blend: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Sirah and 3% Malbec.
• ABV: 13.5%.
• Maturation: 18 months in French and American oak.
• New Oak: 27%.
• Production: Sustainably produced.
• 2023 Growing Season: Heavy winter rainfall replenished soils and reservoirs, followed by mild conditions and an extended, cooler growing season.
• Owners: Sabrina and Timothy Persson.
• Senior Winemaker: Stephanie Pope.
• Current Hess Select Winemaker: Mandy Curley.
• Chief Winemaker at the 2023 Harvest: Dave Guffy.

Sensory Description:

Vanilla and warm baking spice introduce blackberry, black cherry and a touch of cassis. Toasted oak adds savoury depth to a concentrated, full-bodied palate. The texture is plush, with finely grained tannins supporting the fruit rather than dominating it. Freshness keeps the wine balanced through a long finish of lingering dark berries and gentle spice.

Winemaker's Background:

Donald Hess established The Hess Collection in 1978, drawn to the winegrowing potential of Mount Veeder’s elevated slopes. Today, proprietors Sabrina and Timothy Persson continue the family business under the Hess Persson Estates name, adopted in 2021. Hess Select extends its reach through relationships with grower families across California, following Donald’s principle of nurturing the land and returning what is taken. The range focuses on expressive, approachable wines that carry the family’s commitment to quality into everyday drinking.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 16–18°C in a Bordeaux-style glass. Pair with grilled sirloin skewers and herby green goddess sauce, roast lamb, beef burgers or mushroom dishes. Mature cheddar also complements its dark fruit and oak spice. Enjoy now, allowing a little air if the wine initially seems reserved.