Double decanted at 11 am and taken to a family party in Philadelphia area. This is fully mature and lusciously silky with just a hint of brick on an otherwise medium to dark garnet color and a lovely earthy and floral nose also exhibiting some leather, chocolate and dark berry fruit all mirrored on the palate. Long finish as well. Really quite enjoyable! After arrival and re-opening the bootle, it had a great nose and was just as silky smooth but the acidity vanished and the finish became rather short... downgraded it to 91 from 93...90-92 range over time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted at 4 pm and drunk over the next 6+ hours. Dark, nearly opaque garnet...very young looking. Nose of oak, vanilla, jammy plum and a little eucalyptus. Fairly well balanced, chewy mouth feel with some remaining tannins and pleasant bright flavor profile. Lots of plum, blackberry and eucalyptus on the palate. Needs a lot a air to come around but worth the wait. Very dense and weighty. Finish is slightly raisiny in the 5th hour. I think this could still develop more distinct secondary flavors which at this moment seem fleeting. Some overpowering alcohol from time to time degrades the overall experience, but all in all a solid and rewarding effort.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very closed on initial pour. Glass decanted for 30 minutes. Initial nose of black, red, green ground pepper. Opened up wonderfully after an hour with mouth filling layers of cherry cola, raspberry, and bramble. Tannins nicely mellowed and perfectly balanced with still-bright fruit. Perfect pairing with grilled filet mignon seasoned only with salt and pepper. Still drinking well but at peak.... Would drink within next 12 months or so.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted for about 30 minutes. Pulled this one out as my CT drink ability report said this one was overdue. Great nose on this with a long, smooth finish. My bottle probably had a few more years left in it. Went well with the wagyu tri tip.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Popped and poured a small amount and then vinturi decanted the rest of the bottle. Very nice aged Napa nose which opened up in about an hour. Perfectly balanced on the palate with rich blackberry, vanilla,flavors with an opulent mouth feel. Very nice length on the finish as well. This is drinking great right now. I'm glad I have one more left.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nice rich layered cab. Nose of black cherry and vanilla was pleasant. Wine probably will still improve with a few more years of aging, gaining some added complexity. Tannins though are not harsh in any way. Smooth drinking and pleasant. Aftertaste moderately long but not that impressive. Peaked out at about 3 hours after opening, by 5 hours was pretty flat.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
88-89. Soft nose of medium ripe fruits. Soft and pleasant on the palate as well. Tannins are still there, but soft. A very small bit oxidized and tasting a bit more mature than its age. I think this will be good for several more years and some secondary nuances of orange citrus and a bit of earth are coming on that could add more interest with time, but I don't think it will get much better and certainly won't be much more than it is, a very good but not great wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted on opening. Nose of soft red & black fruits, eucalyptus. Palate of fading but still present dark fruits, tobbaco, menthol. Soft tannins, long finish. A very smooth wine. Palate more complex with additional secondary flavors revealed after 30 min.- cedar, vanilla. A lovely wine, not in decline at all.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This was just fantastic, filled with ripe, vibrant, and juicy cassis, plumb, and raspberry fruit, the tannins were well integrated, and the finish was long. this was a really nice surprise.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nose: Black fruit, mainly blackberry, but a hint of the balance that is found in the palate. Some earth or leatheriness ends the aromas.
Palate: Wonderful mouthfeel, completely balanced and not a blockbuster mountain wine, as expected. Medium-Full bodied with all the main parts balanced. Wonderful round tannins show that this wine is definitely coming into its own right now. They still might be a touch young, but only if I'm picky. Black fruit, undertones of nice oak and interesting mustiness, along with some bright red cherry in the long, long finish show off this classy wine. Lovers of more restrained Old World and bigger New World wines should both enjoy this wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very subdued -- a bit of cassis and licorice/menthol. On the palate was somewhat monolithic and vegetal. Moderate finish. I have had this before and it was much better. I'm thinking it is either going through a bit of a vegetal phase or this was a bad/tainted bottle. Of note, had the 2001 Lion before this and got a similar green/vegetal note. Not the first time I've had some Hess go through a vegetal phase. I had a 1997 that was vegetal and then 6 months later was glorious. Curious but unfortunate that I drank this 2001 during this period.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This was really delicious. Decanted for about an hour. Really smooth with some nice berry tones, yet still got some mellowed-out oak. I wish I had more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I really like this. It does need some decanting to open up, but then it is very smooth and drinkable, very beautiful black cherry, blackberry, cassis fruit with very nice rounded tannins and an end note of spicness that leads to a very pleasant and long finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This started off as an 88-90 pt wine right out of the bottle. After about an hour, it kind of fell apart, and the fruit dissipated. Decent quaffer, but not for $35. Definitely will not be buying anymore.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
2001 Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Inserted as a ringer, this dark ruby wine actually showed at least some Bordeaux characteristics to me on the nose, with hints of tobacco and leather along with very ripe cassis. On the palate, very nice balance of dark ripe fruit and tannins. An overall well balance wine with some real character, this is a bargain at about $20.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted at McCarthy & Schiering. The nose shows cassis with lots of black cherry on the palate. This is pleasant and slightly grippy but nothing terribly special.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
12/28/2019 - oldwines Likes this wine: 91 Points
Double decanted at 11 am and taken to a family party in Philadelphia area. This is fully mature and lusciously silky with just a hint of brick on an otherwise medium to dark garnet color and a lovely earthy and floral nose also exhibiting some leather, chocolate and dark berry fruit all mirrored on the palate. Long finish as well. Really quite enjoyable! After arrival and re-opening the bootle, it had a great nose and was just as silky smooth but the acidity vanished and the finish became rather short... downgraded it to 91 from 93...90-92 range over time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/14/2015 - oldwines Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted at 4 pm and drunk over the next 6+ hours. Dark, nearly opaque garnet...very young looking. Nose of oak, vanilla, jammy plum and a little eucalyptus. Fairly well balanced, chewy mouth feel with some remaining tannins and pleasant bright flavor profile. Lots of plum, blackberry and eucalyptus on the palate. Needs a lot a air to come around but worth the wait. Very dense and weighty. Finish is slightly raisiny in the 5th hour. I think this could still develop more distinct secondary flavors which at this moment seem fleeting. Some overpowering alcohol from time to time degrades the overall experience, but all in all a solid and rewarding effort.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/8/2015 - grosel Likes this wine: 88 Points
Still great wine with a burger!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/16/2014 - grosel Likes this wine: 88 Points
holding up surprisingly well
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/10/2012 - rjt986 wrote: 93 Points
Very closed on initial pour. Glass decanted for 30 minutes. Initial nose of black, red, green ground pepper. Opened up wonderfully after an hour with mouth filling layers of cherry cola, raspberry, and bramble. Tannins nicely mellowed and perfectly balanced with still-bright fruit. Perfect pairing with grilled filet mignon seasoned only with salt and pepper. Still drinking well but at peak.... Would drink within next 12 months or so.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/19/2012 - powersaxo wrote: 93 Points
Decanted for about 30 minutes. Pulled this one out as my CT drink ability report said this one was overdue. Great nose on this with a long, smooth finish. My bottle probably had a few more years left in it. Went well with the wagyu tri tip.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/25/2011 - vinophileSD wrote: 91 Points
Popped and poured a small amount and then vinturi decanted the rest of the bottle. Very nice aged Napa nose which opened up in about an hour. Perfectly balanced on the palate with rich blackberry, vanilla,flavors with an opulent mouth feel. Very nice length on the finish as well. This is drinking great right now. I'm glad I have one more left.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/25/2011 - oldwines wrote: 92 Points
Nice rich layered cab. Nose of black cherry and vanilla was pleasant. Wine probably will still improve with a few more years of aging, gaining some added complexity. Tannins though are not harsh in any way. Smooth drinking and pleasant. Aftertaste moderately long but not that impressive. Peaked out at about 3 hours after opening, by 5 hours was pretty flat.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/7/2010 - winegr wrote: 89 Points
88-89. Soft nose of medium ripe fruits. Soft and pleasant on the palate as well. Tannins are still there, but soft. A very small bit oxidized and tasting a bit more mature than its age. I think this will be good for several more years and some secondary nuances of orange citrus and a bit of earth are coming on that could add more interest with time, but I don't think it will get much better and certainly won't be much more than it is, a very good but not great wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/16/2009 - rdsboca wrote: 85 Points
Dark, tannic, dark fruit hidden behind the tannins. Unintersting. Monolithic.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/29/2009 - mjerome wrote: 90 Points
Dark and opaque, tannins are still strong in this wine. really enjoyable, I wonder what will happen with more time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/30/2008 - WE KNOW PINOT wrote:
Decanted on opening. Nose of soft red & black fruits, eucalyptus. Palate of fading but still present dark fruits, tobbaco, menthol. Soft tannins, long finish. A very smooth wine. Palate more complex with additional secondary flavors revealed after 30 min.- cedar, vanilla. A lovely wine, not in decline at all.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/19/2008 - mmyette wrote: 92 Points
This was just fantastic, filled with ripe, vibrant, and juicy cassis, plumb, and raspberry fruit, the tannins were well integrated, and the finish was long. this was a really nice surprise.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/22/2008 - BluesFan wrote:
Liked it a lot...very easy to drink...went well with flank steak
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/10/2007 - Winetree wrote:
Color: Dark dark burgundy.
Nose: Black fruit, mainly blackberry, but a hint of the balance that is found in the palate. Some earth or leatheriness ends the aromas.
Palate: Wonderful mouthfeel, completely balanced and not a blockbuster mountain wine, as expected. Medium-Full bodied with all the main parts balanced. Wonderful round tannins show that this wine is definitely coming into its own right now. They still might be a touch young, but only if I'm picky. Black fruit, undertones of nice oak and interesting mustiness, along with some bright red cherry in the long, long finish show off this classy wine. Lovers of more restrained Old World and bigger New World wines should both enjoy this wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/28/2007 - walshbr wrote:
Enjoyed with Filet mignon and seared scallops. Velvetty mouth feel with a smooth finish. We were very pleased with this bottle of wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/13/2007 - J-Sho wrote: 85 Points
Very subdued -- a bit of cassis and licorice/menthol. On the palate was somewhat monolithic and vegetal. Moderate finish. I have had this before and it was much better. I'm thinking it is either going through a bit of a vegetal phase or this was a bad/tainted bottle. Of note, had the 2001 Lion before this and got a similar green/vegetal note. Not the first time I've had some Hess go through a vegetal phase. I had a 1997 that was vegetal and then 6 months later was glorious. Curious but unfortunate that I drank this 2001 during this period.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/10/2007 - Beachwine wrote:
Soprano's finale, drank after an Amarone so this seemed very thin without much flavor
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/24/2007 - Beachwine wrote:
the fat snook jeff kyle and deb. tasty and smooth
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/23/2007 - dbarco wrote: 91 Points
As before - very enjoyable. Deep dark appearance and flavor. Smooth tannins. A delight.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/15/2007 - aces219 wrote:
This was really delicious. Decanted for about an hour. Really smooth with some nice berry tones, yet still got some mellowed-out oak. I wish I had more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/17/2007 - dbarco wrote: 91 Points
I really like this. It does need some decanting to open up, but then it is very smooth and drinkable, very beautiful black cherry, blackberry, cassis fruit with very nice rounded tannins and an end note of spicness that leads to a very pleasant and long finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/30/2006 - dougie wrote: 89 Points
Really opened up after an hour. Smooth, nice aged cab. Can go a couple of more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/25/2006 - dbarco wrote: 88 Points
Tasted at Fowler's. Soft, rounded, nice fruit, very drinkable. Does not need cellar time.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/10/2006 - hiltondg wrote: 85 Points
Had a bottle at One Market in San Francisco. The wine is smooth and lush from the start, then falls apart after about 30 minutes.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/2/2006 - Slipknot wrote: 89 Points
great mountain fruit. very tasty. took a bit to open up then it presented a pretty complex wine for the $$$. I will buy it again.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/16/2005 - Kryn13 wrote:
Black cherries.
Tannic at first, definately needed some air...after about an hour it was much more pleasant. I enjoyed this one.
B
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/22/2005 - NobleRot wrote: 87 Points
This started off as an 88-90 pt wine right out of the bottle. After about an hour, it kind of fell apart, and the fruit dissipated. Decent quaffer, but not for $35. Definitely will not be buying anymore.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/19/2004 - CSteefel wrote: 90 Points
2001 Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Inserted as a ringer, this dark ruby wine actually showed at least some Bordeaux characteristics to me on the nose, with hints of tobacco and leather along with very ripe cassis. On the palate, very nice balance of dark ripe fruit and tannins. An overall well balance wine with some real character, this is a bargain at about $20.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/14/2004 - Eric wrote: 84 Points
Tasted at McCarthy & Schiering. The nose shows cassis with lots of black cherry on the palate. This is pleasant and slightly grippy but nothing terribly special.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment