Hess Collection Lion Tamer Napa Valley Red Blend 2019 750ml

Other Red Blends from Napa Valley, California

Notes from the Winemaker

Malbec leads in the blend to develop a softness in the tannins, making this a smooth and seamless wine. These mouthwatering tannins surround the palate, framing complex elements of cassis and boysenberry with subtle notes of milk chocolate. In crafting this wine, the goal is to achieve perfect balance, with the layered fruit notes concentrated in the mid-palate and enveloped by well-integrated elements of clove and spiced oak on the lengthy, elegant finish.

Reviews and Accolates

91 Points/ 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.

91 Points/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.

90 Points/Wine Enthusiast
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.