Another fascinating wine that symbolizes the new level of quality as well as innovation and creativeness at Hess Collection is the 2014 Proprietary Red The Lion Tamer, a red blend, which is 55% Malbec, 15% Zinfandel, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah and 8% Merlot. It comes from vineyards throughout Napa and is a delicious, Mediterranean style of wine, with notes of forest floor, underbrush, lavender, loads of black cherry and blackcurrant, a nice, spicy meatiness and a medium to full-bodied finish. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.

A blend of 55% Malbec and the rest close to equal parts Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Merlot, the 2014 Lon Tamer offers a more savory, medium-bodied profile as well as solid notes of blueberries, damp earth, spring flowers, and a marine-like salty, exotic quality. It has good purity, a juicy, lively style, and a clean finish, all making it ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years.

A new offering from this producer, this wine blends 55% Malbec with 15% Zinfandel, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah and 8% Merlot. It satisfies in rich, rounded flavors of blueberry pie, cranberry and clove, with an underlying streak of dark chocolate. Medium acidity supports an appealing full-bodied juiciness.