October 31, 2008

Hess Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

This red is a blended wine of Cab. grapes from three different counties from California. 45% Mendocino County, 30% Lake County, 25% Napa County. The wine-maker also adds just a touch of Shiraz to add a smidge of spiciness. It's aged for fourteen months in small oak barrels to give it interesting black cherry and vanilla bean notes. Medium bodied, rich Cab. with easy tannins. Grilled meats are the obvious choice for this but you should also give it a try with Thyme Roasted Pork Loin with an Apple-Paw-Paw Butter.
Becky's Comments - It's a pretty spicy wine. It definitely makes the nostrils flare and the mouth dry. While Anthony could pick out the vanilla, I could only taste a bit of the chocolate that was mentioned on the bottle. Everything else seemed to me to be covered by the spiciness. I could definitely see it with a grilled filet or pork loin.
It is a basic bottle with classy label.