Hess Collection Allomi Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Drink now or cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. Wine was first produced on this historic site high up on Mount Veeder in the 1860s, but it was only in the late 1970s that Donald Hess founded his namesake winery here. Hess visited the region on a business trip to Napa and became fascinated by mountain winegrowing. After extensive research to identify the best terroir for making wine here, he bought 900 acres which are today used to craft the Hess winery’s elegant yet powerful Napa wines. This stunning Cabernet is made from top quality fruit sourced from the estate’s 210 acre Allomi vineyard planted on the rolling hills of northeastern Napa. Here the vines enjoy a long, warm growing season along with well-draining soils which help to produce perfectly ripe yet balanced fruit. In total there are 6 different Cabernet clones planted in the vineyard, adding extra complexity to the finished wine. After vinification the young wine matures in American oak barrels for 18 months before bottling. The long ageing period adds subtle hints of vanilla and spice to the rich, soft dark fruit flavours of cassis, blackberry and dark plum. On the palate there’s a generous full body, firm tannins and a very long finish seasoned with woodsmoke, tobacco leaf, dark chocolate and hints of toasted oak. The power and grace of this Napa Cab make it a natural partner for herby roast chicken, aubergine parmigiana, grilled pork, and mature cheeses.

Price: £31.10 from 8wines UK