WTN: Hess Collection Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

A taste of this wine courtesy of Jimi and Nico who asked me to join them for an early dinner last Sunday.

Oaky and sweet but with good acidity to balance it. The dominant flavors are mocha and chocolate. Still quite tannic with a dryish finish. This needs more time to come together as it's still angular at this stage.

Thanks for the note, Jay. I've joined Hess' Wine Club, so I have been drinking their wines for the last year or so.

From my experience, the 2001 is drinking better now and may be a better vintage. At least, it impressed me more than the 2002. It's less sweet, and the oak is integrated a little more-or at least, the character of the oak is more to the cedary side than the vanilla side. Good leather on the palate, too.

If you are interested in Mount Veeder Appelation wines (I'm not sure how often you get to the US or access to obscure US wines), try Ramian. Outstanding cedary red fruit Mount Veeder area Cab! (Actually located two miles uphill from Hess).