HESS COLLECTION MT. VEEDER MOUNTAIN CUVEE - 2002

This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Syrah, 14% Merlot, 6% Malbec, and 4% Cabernet Franc features grapes grown on Mount Veeder in California. The alcohol content of the wine is 14.5% and the the juice was aged 18 months in a 50/50 blend of new and old French oak.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark garnet color with forest pine and cherry fruit on the nose. Black fruit, cherry, creamy vanilla, cedar-oak, blackberry, hints of cocoa and spice intermingle in this lush, easy to drink red blend. The mouthfeel is very sleek and the tannins feel aged and unfiltered creating a lip-smacking finish of crushed fruit.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

91 PTS

This is a very, very good California blend. It is so easy to drink that you can just as easily overlook the craftsmanship. Retails for around $25. Not cheap but appropriately priced for this kind of California quality.