While Napa might be most widely known as cabernet country, the small valley offers a diverse collection of growing areas giving winemakers a broad palate from which to choose when deciding on grape varieties and winemaking styles. From the cool far south of Napa Valley where he grows the fruit for a bright, balanced chardonnay , to Mt Veeder which produces powerful yet elegant cabernet sauvignon, all the way up to Pope Valley in the far northeast where the warm growing season produces fruit bursting with flavor, Dave Guffy at Hess Family Estates makes the most of these choices. Guffy marches to his own beat in his winemaking and it’s a unique expression which wine lovers will certainly enjoy.

 

Dave_GuffyDave Guffy, Senior Vice President Winemaking and Viticulture, Hess Family Wine Estates

 

hess chard bottle 0032016 The Hess Collection, Napa Valley, Chardonnay

Nose of white flowers and sweet citrus. On the palate flavors of pear, apple, tangerine and a hint of lime zest are balanced by bright acidity, creamy lees and a slightly spicy finish.

SRP:  $22

 

 

 

 

Panthera Chard bottle 0032016 Panthera, Russian River Valley  Chardonnay

Rich and round, fruit forward aromas typical of Russian River Valley chardonnay. On the palate flavors of ripe peach and apricot are given structure by hints of toasty oak and a finish of caramelized sugar and sweet spice,

SRP:  $45

 

 

 

Hess Allomi Cab bottle 0012016 The Hess Collection, Napa Valley “Allomi” Cabernet Sauvignon

A nose of ripe plum, dark berries and hints of earthy, savory aromas.  Flavors of rich raspberry, plum, and red currant are backed up by moderate acidity and fine tannins. A rich round mouthfeel, this wine finishes off with hints of cocoa and baking spice.

SRP:  $32

 

 

 

 

Lion Tamer bottle 0012015 Lion Tamer, Red Blend

On the nose aromas of expressive purple flowers and hot wet rocks let you know this isn’t going to be a flabby, one note malbec blend. Complex flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum lead to hints of pomegranate and cocoa. On the finish notes of cinnamon, clove, vanilla and silky tannins complete this rich, lush, easy drinker.

SRP:  $45

 

 

 

Hess Veeder Napa bottle 0022013 The Hess Collection, Mount Veeder, Cabernet Sauvignon

Aromas of both red and dark berries are backed by notes of pencil led, cocoa and vanilla. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry, cassis, and blueberry are given structure by elegant but youthful tannin and a soft finish. A great expression of Mt. Veeder from a classic vintage. Five to ten years of cellar aging will pay dividends.

SRP:  $65