Hess Collection The Lion Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Blended of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon The Lion has a very deep garnet-purple color and nose of baked blueberries, plum preserves and crème de cassis with a wonderfully spicy undercurrent featuring Chinese five spice, black pepper and fenugreek with touches of cigar box and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and tightly wound at this youthful stage, it has a rock-solid backbone of firm, grainy tannins and lively acidity supporting the muscular fruit, finishing long and spicy. 158 cases were made. Forget this one in your cellar for 3-4 years and drink it over the next 15+.

The top of the producer's pecking order, this estate-grown red employs 17% Malbec, a house specialty, which adds richness and grip to the structure. Leathery tannins, clove and black pepper ride along layers of red cherry and cassis, finishing fully integrated and powerful in weight.