Drink now or cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving.

Art lover and wine enthusiast Donald Hess fell in love with mountain winemaking after a business trip to Napa Valley in the 1970s. Following extensive research into the Mount Veeder sub-region, he purchased some 900 acres of land here in 1978 and established what would become one of the area’s pioneering modern wineries. The unique mountain terroir takes centre stage in all of Hess’s wines, bringing a fine balance of power and elegance to both their reds and whites.

The Lion Tamer is the nickname given to Malbec on the Hess estate since their Director of Winemaking uses it to soften the powerful tannins of varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. This blend brings together those three varieties in perfect harmony along with Zinfandel and Merlot. Following vinification the young wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 22 months before bottling.

Blackcurrant and dark plum dominate on the nose, along with more subtle notes of toasted oak, spice, and woodsmoke from the barrel ageing. The first sip reveals a robust full body, firm yet well-rounded tannins, and a long finish seasoned with rich dark fruit. The powerful yet accessible flavour profile makes this a great wine to lay down in the cellar for a few more years or to drink now with hearty red meat dishes.