Review: 2017 Hess Collection Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon
Here’s a pair of wines from our friends at Napa’s Hess Collection — a place you must visit if you’re in the area!
2017 Hess Collection Chardonnay Napa Valley – Oak and vanilla are in full effect in this chardonnay, though they’re dialed back enough to let some interesting fruit notes shine through, including pear, lemon, and quince. A somewhat doughy, coconut-heavy character influences the finish, with notes of perfumed white flowers impregnating the entire affair. Best with a light meal. B+ / $22
2017 Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Allomi Vineyard – This is a chewy, jammy expression of cabernet, a berry-forward juice bomb that folds in notes of coconut, figs, and red rope licorice to make for an exuberant — though not terribly subtle or nuanced — experience. Fair enough as a by the glass offering, though I don’t think that was the intent. B+ / $32
