THE HESS COLLECTION | Allomi | Napa Valley | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2019
cabernet sauvignon | petite sirah | merlot | petit verdot | malbec
We will be evaluating wines in no particular order on no particular schedule. Just stay tuned and you will never miss our reviews. If the wine is tasted more than once, the rating table will be updated so as to reflect all the new impressions and observations.
A pioneer by nature, Donald Hess was determined to defy convention and pursue winemaking at elevation in Napa Valley. In 1978, he established The Hess Collection Winery on the site of one of the region’s oldest wineries on Mount Veeder. Although few in Napa Valley were cultivating vines at elevation, Donald Hess believed the volcanic slopes of Mount Veeder provided the ideal combination of soils and microclimates to yield elegant wines with rich, complex flavors.
Today’s wine hardly requires any introduction, as it is one of the most recognizable wine labels from California‘s famous Napa Valley, USA – Allomi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 by The Hess Collection Winery. Although the label says that it is a cabernet sauvignon wine, technically it is a harmonious blend of five grape varieties: cabernet sauvignon (85%), petite sirah (10% – also known as durif or petite syrah and rarely found outside of California), merlot (2%), petit verdot (2%) and malbec (1%), where cabernet sauvignon forms the wine’s main body and structure, petite sirah is all about up-front richness and black fruit flavors, malbec builds a more refined mid-palate, while the remaining grape varieties contribute to a leaner and a more dynamic finish. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the Allomi vineyard, planted on the slopes of Mount Veeder in northeastern Napa. In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity to the final blend, the wine has been aged for 18 months in american oak barriques, from which 330% new oak. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
_________________________________________________________________________
Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:
//Visual
color: medium-deep ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades on the rim
//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & oaky
fruit character: ripe & overripe
The first impression on the nose offers a bold and jammy expression, with dark cherries, black plums and blackcurrants taking center stage, supported by hints of dried fruits that brings a touch of overripeness. Pronounced notes of oak emerge alongside the jammy fruit, delivering notes of toasted oak, coconut, vanilla and cloves. In the background, a hint of peppery spice peeks through, interwoven with subtle earthy undertones reminiscent of pencil lead and petrichor. In between, a thin layer of tobacco, liquorice and eucalyptus form that much desired aromatic sophistication that most of the Napa Valley‘s cabernet’s a famous for. This intriguing bouquet suggests a powerful wine with a prominent oak influence.
//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crisp
The palate mirrors the nose with a burst of ripe black fruit flavors, reminiscent of blackberries, dark cherries and prune. Nuanced hints of oak adds more flavour complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The exuberant acidity cuts through the mid-palate richness, creating a lively mouthfeel, while the tannins, ripe and silky, offers a bit more structure without being overwhelming on the palate. A well-integrated touch of alcoholic warmth adds depth and power, lingering through the crisp aftertaste.
//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 3 or 4 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary
All in all, this is a classic example of a Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon – a wine that manages to be both, powerful and elegant. The round, well-balanced, and well-structured mouthfeel suggests a good ageing potential, but it’s also drinking beautifully now. This is a must-try for any wine enthusiast who is a fan of a bold and expressive, New World cabernet sauvignon.
//Scoring
THE HESS COLLECTION | Allomi | Napa Valley | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2019
variety: cabernet sauvignon | petite sirah | merlot | petit verdot | malbec
country: USA
region: California | Napa Valley
rating: 94.0
_________________________________________________________________________
This is definitely a great wine of USA and, with a total of 94.0 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.
Pairing: With its bold character, pronounced oak influence and voluptuous mouthfeel, this wine is a perfect partner for classic american barbeque. The smoky and savory flavors of grilled meats, like beef brisket or pulled pork, will stand up beautifully to the wine’s power. The exuberant acidity in the wine will cut lovely through the richness of the barbecue sauce, while the ripe tannins of the wine will help cleanse the palate between bites. This pairing is a perfect example of culinary synergy, where the wine’s rich character complements the smoky flavors of the dish, creating a truly satisfying dining experience. Enjoy!
_________________________________________________________________________
© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a one-time donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics 