HESS COLLECTION WINERY, Napa California Vineyards, winesHESS COLLECTION WINERY The Hess Collection Vineyards
"The Hess Collection vineyards represent the diverse growing conditions seen in the Napa Valley. We grow grapes in both cool climates and hot. Our sites are gently sloped along the Bay to steep in the mountains. History has taught us what is best for our vines, and we learn how to better tend to our vineyards with each passing vintage. This has allowed us to develop site specific viticulture programs for each of our ranches. At the same time we've instituted a number of environmentally-friendly initiatives that keep us at the forefront of sustainable vineyard practices." - Sander Scheer, Viticulturi Veeder Summit Vineyard
Mount Veeder, Napa Valley
Our highest estate vineyard was once the site of an old cherry orchard near the summit of Mount Veeder. Donald Hess originally planted the site to Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. However, due to the unique microclimates, the vineyard now is considered to be well suited for early-ripening varietals such as Malbec and Merlot.
Acreage: 115 acres Varietals Planted: Cabernet Sauvignon (17 acres), Malbec (33 acres), Merlot (10 acres), Syrah (6 acres), Petit Verdot (3 acres), Chardonnay (18 acres), Gewürztraminer (2 acres), Riesling (2 acres), Pinot Gris (3 acres), Albariño (3 acres), Viognier (2 acres), Grüner Veltliner (2 acres). Elevation: 1,300-2,000 feet Exposure: Due south, some southwest, on slope due east. Microclimate: The cooling marine influences of the San Francisco Bay and cool afternoon breezes result in daytime temperatures that are an average of 5 to 10 degrees lower than the valley floor, with slightly warmer nights as the cooler air sinks to lower elevations. These vineyards tend to be above both the fog and frost lines. Soil: Volcanic Rhyolite and some clay streaks with patches of compressed volcanic ash, sometimes called tufa or tuff. Trellis: California T-top, Lyre and Vertical Shoot Positioning. Veeder Hills Vineyard
Mount Veeder, Napa Valley
To accommodate the steep mountain slopes, the vines at this site are planted to ridges. We carefully seek out areas with thin soils so the vines are forced to struggle, producing lighter yields with small, intensely flavored berries. We avoid planting in shaded areas to ensure the vines have the best possible exposure to sunlight during the day to achieve optimal ripeness.
Acreage: 135 acres Varietals Planted: Cabernet Sauvignon (112 acres), Malbec (8 acres), Petit Verdot (2 acres) and Viognier (12 acres) Elevation: 600 - 1,120 feet Exposure: Due east, due west, southwest Microclimate: This vineyard site generally is cooler than the valley floor, yet it is less susceptible to temperature extremes, both heat and cold. Soil: Sedimentary clay loam with soil depths from 2 to 4 feet on top of shale Trellis: T-top, Lyre and Vertical Shoot Positioning Su'skol Vineyard
Napa Valley, California
The Su'skol Vineyard benefits from its proximity to the San Francisco Bay. The vineyard is named for the native Su'skol people who used the site as a meeting place and valued the nearby sources of fish and game.
General Mariano Vallejo offered a portion of Rancho Nacional de Suscol to be used as a capital for the newly formed state of California. Yet, its use as a capital city was short-lived, thus preserving the open land.
Acreage: 175 acres Varietals Planted: Chardonnay (175 acres) Elevation: 50-75 feet above sea level. Exposure: Predominantly level with western exposure. Microclimate: Situated fewer than 10 miles from San Francisco Bay, the cooling marine influence on this vineyard is profound. Morning fog and afternoon breezes lower the average daily temperature, creating an ideal climate for growing Chardonnay. Soil: Sandy clay topsoil layer on top of clay and sandstone. Trellis: Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) This trellis system supports the upright shoot growth of the vine and allows the vines to be trimmed to allow more sunlight onto the grapes and to control the growth of the vine. Hess Allomi Vineyard
Napa Valley, California
The Allomi Vineyard is located on the eastern base of Howell Mountain in one of the more remote areas of Napa County. The combination of a long, warm growing season and well-drained soils creates optimal ripening conditions.
The site is named in honor of the original Spanish land grant to which the native Patwin people lent their name-Rancho Locoallomia. This area also was home to one of the first wheat mills in California, which earned it the nickname "Breadbasket of the Pacific," and also gave rise to a small whiskey industry.
Acreage: 210 acres Varietals Planted: Cabernet Sauvignon (150 acres), Sauvignon Blanc (27 acres), Petite Sirah (24 acres), Petit Verdot (4 acres) Elevation: 770-950 feet above sea level Exposure: Southwest Microclimate: This region is remarkable for heat during the summers and very cold winters. The growing season starts later than it does on Mount Veeder, yet it accelerates during warmer days and ultimately finishes sooner. Soil: Shallow clay loams about 3 feet deep and Alluvium, freshly eroded rock, carried by water off the hillside. The lower portion of the vineyard has slightly deeper soils, well-suited to growing Sauvignon Blanc, while the gentle slopes on the upper part of the vineyard have much shallower, rockier soils. Trellis:Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) This trellis system supports the upright shoot growth of the vine and allows the vines to be trimmed to allow more sunlight onto the grapes and to control the growth of the vine. Nurture the Land andReturn What You TakeThis philosophy brings with it a dedication to delivering wines that speak to their natural origins. The wines cultivated at The Hess Collection demonstrate the distinctive qualities of the Napa Valley, including the unique qualities of high altitude and single vineyard wines. We strive to protect these qualities by honoring our natural environment. By being responsible in our business and winegrowing practices we are able to return to the land what we ask for it to provide.
Taking Action The wine industry has taken a leadership role in the green movement of business standards. Wine industry leaders are working hand-in- hand with industrial, environmental and government agencies, and community partners, to develop standards of "green" practices in winemaking. The Hess Collection has been at the forefront of the green movement for many years (see timeline below). Most importantly, the winery actively participates in these two very important programs that are shaping the future for the wine industry.
Wine Institute: "The Code Of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices" "The code helps assure that our wineries and vineyards continue to thrive alongside communities to produce world-class wines. Sustainable winegrowing not only improves wine quality, but helps us compete in the global market place where consumers are increasingly interested in knowing that the foods and wines they enjoy are produced in an environmentally friendly manner." Robert P. Koch, President & CEO of the Wine Institute.
Napa Valley Vintners Association: Napa Green Certified Winery Program "Napa Green Certified Winery is a Napa-specific set of sustainable and green business practices developed for wineries. The NVV is working closely with our partners at the Napa County Department of Environmental Management and the Association of Bay Area Governments as third party certifiers. Certified wineries demonstrate a commitment to conserving water and energy, reducing waste and preventing pollution. The efforts of Napa Green Certified Winery are aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of wine production facilities as part of the broader view of excellent business." Napa Valley Vintners Association
The Hess Collection Winery was among the first 10 wineries to receive certification for the Napa Green Winery program, and is one of only six wineries to have both Land and Winery certifications.
1978 | Donald Hess acquires his first land on Mount Veeder and completes purchase of 900 acres in 1982. Over 600 acres are set aside as undeveloped land to support wild life corridors, fish friendly farming practices and bio- diversity. The vineyards and winegrowing of The Hess Collection Winery utilize sustainable practices as defined by the Wine Institute.
1992 | The Hess Collection hosts the first Natural Farming Symposium for vineyards in the United States. Over 100 vintners attend from Napa and Sonoma Valleys and the panel included speakers from Europe, Australia and the United States.
2002 | The Hess Collection helps develop the Wine Institute's "Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices," a landmark code of best management practices promoting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
2007 | The Hess Collection sits on the Napa Valley Vintners Association steering committee to establish the "Napa Green"program to define best practices for Napa Valley winery facilities. As a board member of the Wine Institute, Gary Bulger, President of The Hess Collection, actively participates in the organization's goal of establishing a standardized and certifiable definition of sustainable wine-growing practices.
2008 | The Hess Collection is among the first 10 wineries to receive certification for the Napa Green Winery program. In spring, The Hess Collection purchases 24 goats-all of whom turned out to be pregnant-for ground clearing and underbrush management in our Mount Veeder estate vineyards. Now, the more than 100 goats are released into the vineyards prior to bud break to help with weed control, minimizing the use of tractors and tilling.
2010 | The Hess Collection is among the first 17 wineries to be certified through the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) by third party verification. Established by the Wine Institute and California Association of Winegrape Growers, CSWA requires adherence to a "process of continuous improvement" in the adaptation and implementation of sustainable winegrowing practices. The goals of the new certification program are to enhance transparency, advance the entire California wine industry towards best practices in environmental stewardship, conservation of natural resources and socially equitable business practices. Hess CollectionMount VeederCabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2006 Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 1% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot Appellation: Mount Veeder, Napa Valley Analysis: Alcohol: 14.4% | pH: 3.98 | TA: 0.51/100mL Cooperage: 18 months in 50% new French oak Vineyard: Hess Veeder Hills Vineyard, altitude of 600-1,120 feet above sea level. Tasting Notes: Complex and alluring flavors of wild mountain blackberry, black cherry, currant and sweet molasses, accented by underlying flavors of graphite and cedar box. Hints of vanilla and toast are imparted by the new French oak barrels. The addition of Mount Veeder Malbec - with its distinguishing characteristics of dark chocolate and boysenberry - adds a heightened intensity to the fruit and lends texture to this wine, while softening and balancing the tannins for a long elegant finish. Best Press: 92 Points | Wine Enthusiast Hess CollectionMount Veeder 19Block Cuvée
Vintage: 2007 Blend: 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec, 4% Syrah, 4% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot Appellation: Mount Veeder, Napa Valley Analysis: Alcohol: 14.6% | Ph: 3.81 | TA: 0.58g/100mL Cooperage: 16 months in French Oak (50% new) Vineyard: Hess Veeder Summit Vineyard - Altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 2,000 feet above sea level. Tasting Notes: Aromas of plum and black currant intermingled with caramel and molasses. The silky entry melts into an ultra-rich core of dark fruit. A supple finish is testament to this wine's immediate approachability. Hess CollectionMount VeederChardonnay
Vintage: 2008 Blend: 100% Chardonnay Appellation: Mount Veeder, Napa Valley Analysis: Alcohol: 14.4% | Ph: 3.45 | TA: 0.60g/100mL Cooperage: Fermented in 4- to 5-year-old neutral French oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation. Vineyard: Hess Veeder Summit Vineyard, with altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 2,000 feet above sea level. Tasting Notes: Aromas of orange blossom and honeysuckle yield to vibrant tropical fruit falvors, which are balanced by crisp mineral notes. Medium bodied, this wine is fruit focused, with a nice acidity and good mouthfeel. Because this wine does not go through malolactic fermentation it preserves its bright acidity and vibrant fruit flavors. The Lion
Vintage: 2004 Blend: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot Appellation: Mount Veeder, Napa Valley Analysis: Alcohol: 14.5% | Ph: 3.9 | TA: 0.54g/100mL Vineyard: Hess Veeder Hills Vineyard Tasting Notes: Aromas open with rose petal, clove, currant and nutmeg. The palate is packed with black cherry, brambly blackberry and vanilla, with nuances of mineral flintiness. The texture is mouth- coating, redolent of chocolate and maple, evolving into elegant, seamless tannins that linger into the finish. Hess Allomi VineyardCabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2008 Appellation: Napa Valley Analysis: Alcohol: 14.4% | pH: 3.83 | TA: .55 g/100mL Cooperage: 18 months in new American oak (30%) Vineyard: Hess Napa Valley Allomi Vineyard at an altitude of 770-950 feet Tasting Notes: This wine is dark fruit driven and begins with aromas of boysenberries, black cherries, vanilla and sage. Ripe flavors of blackberry mix with hints of cedar and graphite, and a slight note of toasty oak. A rich mouth feel gives way to smooth tannins, leading to a lingering finish. Hess Allomi VineyardPetite Sirah
Vintage: 2006 Appellation: Napa Valley Analysis: Alcohol: 14.1% | pH: 4.0 | ta: .55 g/100mL Cooperage: 18 months in 100% old French oak. Vineyard: Hess Napa Valley Allomi Vineyard is at an altitude of 770 - 950 feet. Tasting Notes: Aroma of blueberry pie is followed by ripe currant and black cherry notes. The mouth feel has a dense entry followed by polished tannins. Hess Allomi VineyardSauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2009 Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Appellation: Napa Valley Analysis: Alcohol: 14.1% | pH: 3.09 Time in Oak: Four Months Vineyard: Hess Napa Valley Allomi Vineyard is at an altitude of 770- 950 feet Tasting Notes: Aromas of guava, peach and citrus that fan out on a rich mid-palate. Pronounced tropical flavors of kiwi, pineapple and grapefruit are balanced by a refreshing acidity. Hess Select CabernetSauvignon
Vintage: 2008 Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Syrah Appellation: 47% Mendocino County, 37% Lake County, 16% Napa County Analysis: Alcohol: 13.5% | pH: 3.86 | TA: 0.55g / 100ml Tasting Notes: Aromas of black cherry fruit and caramel on the nose. Concentrated fruit flavors dominate, with ripe fleshy plum, cherry, spice and a hint of dusty oak, ending with a soft, graceful finish. Hess SelectChardonnay
Vintage: 2009 Blend: 100% Chardonnay Appellation: Monterey, California Analysis: Alcohol: 13.4% | pH: 3.64 | TA: 0.60g / 100ml Cooperage: 9 months in French Oak (30% new) Tasting Notes: Tropical aromas of freshly-cut pineapple and ripe pear. A soft entry of well-balanced fruit and oak persists all the way to a pleasing finish of honeydew melon and crème brûlée. Hess SelectSauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2009 Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Appellation: Lake County, California Analysis: Alcohol: 13.9% | pH: 3.25 | TA: 0.61g / 100ml Tasting Notes: Aromas of gooseberry and kiwi play nicely with flavors of lychee, lemongrass and ruby grapefruit. The wine was fermented in stainless stell tanks and neutral, 5- to 6-year-old French oak barrels. It was not allowed to go through malolactic fermentation in order to retain its crisp acidity. Hess Small BlockSeries Auction Lot 11
Vintage: 2006 Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 10% Syrah Appellation: Mount Veeder, Napa Valley Analysis: Alcohol: 14.5% | pH: 3.85 | TA: 0.59 g/100mL Cooperage: Aged for 20 months in French Oak Barrels (65% New) Production: 13 Barrels Tasting Notes: This wine begins with inviting aromas of red licorice, molasses and brown sugar, followed on the palate by flavors of black cherry, wild mountain blackberry, milk chocolate and toffee, with hints of well-integrated oak. Complex and elegant. Hess Small BlockSeriesGewürztraminer
Vintage: 2008 Blend: 100% Gewürztraminer Appellation: Anderson Valley Release Date: June 2009 Analysis: Alcohol: 14.7% | pH: 2.95 | TA: 0.71g /100 mL Production: 11 Barrels Tasting Notes: Vibrant aromas of rose petal and jasmine yield to flavors of orange blossom, honeysuckle and mango. This dry Gewürztraminer is crisp and aromatic with a rich, textured mouthfeel, and a clean, refreshing finish. Hess Small BlockSeries Malbec
Vintage: 2008 Blend: 100% Malbec Appellation: Mount Veeder, Napa Valley Harvest Date: October 8-27, 2008 Analysis: Alcohol: 14.4% | pH: 4.00 | TA: 0.52 g/100mL Cooperage: 18 months in French Oak, 40% new Production: 280 Cases Produced Tasting Notes: Inviting aromas of black cherry mingle with Cardamom spice, opening up on a rich mid palate, driven by dark fruit flavors. Complex and elegant, this wine has excellent structure and supple tannins, which yield on a long finish. Hess Small BlockSeries Orange Muscat
Vintage: 2009 Blend:100% Orange Muscat Appellation: Mendocino Harvest Date: September 3, 2009 Analysis: Alcohol: 13.5% | pH: 3.00 | TA: 0.67g / 100ml Cooperage: Stainless steel fermented, aged two months in neutral French oak Production: 168 Cases Produced Tasting Notes: Aromas and flavors of orange blossom, honey and tangerine blend together seamlessly in this lively, elegant wine. The fruit was whole-cluster pressed and then fermented in a small stainless steel tank at a controlled, cool temperature (58-60 degrees Fahrenheit). Primary fermentation was arrested at 2% residual sugar and the wine was not allowed to go through malolactic fermentation in order to retain a bright, clean finish. Hess Small BlockSeries Pinot Grigio
Vintage: 2007 Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio Appellation: Monterey, California Analysis: Alcohol: 13.5% | pH: 3.42 | TA: 0.56 g/mL Cooperage: Finished primary fermentation in 4- to 5-year-old French oak barrels Production: 24 Barrels Tasting Notes: Exotic fruits such as persimmon and star fruit make for very expressive aromatics, which are followed by Macoun apple and pear on the palate. This wine has a nice weight and viscosity to the mouthfeel. Hess Small BlockSeries Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2006 Blend: 100% Pinot Noir Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands Analysis: Alcohol: 14.5% | pH: 4.0 | TA: .50g/100mL Cooperage: 10 months in 35% new French oak Production: 57 Barrels Tasting Notes: Red fruit aromatics with lavender notes that lead into rose petal, jasmine, pine and guava aromas. On the palate it has a medium full body with spicy cherry, allspice and French oak in the back. The finish is silky and lush. Hess Small BlockSeries SauvignonBlanc
Vintage: 2009 Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Appellation: High Valley, Lake County Analysis: Alcohol: 14.6% | pH: 3.15 | TA: 0.61 g/mL Cooperage: Neutral French oak (4- to 5-year-old barrels) Tasting Notes: The Musqué clone lends aromas of lemongrass and passion fruit to this tropical, fruit-driven wine. Notable for its elegance and nuance, the vibrant fruit flavors of grapefruit and kumquat are balanced on the finish by a crisp acidity. Hess Small BlockSeries Syrah
Vintage: 2007 Blend: 98% Syrah, 2% Viognier Appellation: Napa Valley Analysis: Alcohol: 14.3% | pH: 3.97 | TA: 0.52 g/100ml Cooperage: 17 months in French Oak (20% New) Production: 12 Barrels Tasting Notes: Aromas of blueberry and blue fruit mingle with a hint of bacon. On the palate, pronounced flavors of blueberry dominate along with dark chocolate, spice and a slight vanilla undertone. Medium-bodied, this wine has good structure, and full, yet refined tannins, which yield on a long, elegant finish. Hess Small BlockSeries Syrah RoséVintage: 2009 Blend: 86% Syrah, 14% Petite Sirah Appellation: Napa Valley Analysis: Alcohol: 14.2% | pH: 3.32 | TA: 0.70 g/100ml Cooperage: Fermented in neutral French oak (4- to 5-year-old barrels) Production: 168 Cases Tasting Notes: Garnet in hue, this wine has aromas of strawberries and dried cherries on the nose, followed on the palate by ripe red fruit flavors of cherry and raspberry. Light and refreshing, this dry rosé shows a nice acidity with a smooth, elegant finish. Enjoy chilled Hess Small BlockSeries Viognier
Vintage: 2009 Blend: 100% Viognier Appellation: Mount Veeder, Napa Valley Analysis: Alcohol: 14.5% | pH: 3.5 Cooperage: 8 months in neutral French oak Vineyard: Hess Veeder Crest and Hess Veeder Summit Vineyards, altitudes of 1,300 to 2,000 feet above sea level. Tasting Notes: The 2009 Viognier exhibits classic varietal aromas of honeysuckle intertwined with tangerine, nectarine, and jasmine to create a very expressive impression. The palate echoes the nectarine flavor and has mid-palate concentration and weight. The wine finishes clean and correct, with ample fruitfulness and acidity. This aromatic wine is perfect as an aperitif or can be enjoyed on a warm summer day. Serve well chilled. Hess Small BlockSeries Zinfandel
Vintage: 2007 Blend: 99% Zinfandel, 1% Petite Sirah Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County Analysis: Alcohol: 14.8% | pH: 3.70 | TA: 0.56 g/100mL Cooperage: 12 months in French oak (2-3 years old) Production: 20 Barrels Tasting Notes: Briary aromas of raspberry and spice continue on the palate. Full-bodied and elegant, this wine possesses distinct varietal character, driven by black fruit, milk chocolate, clove, nutmeg, black pepper and spice.
HESS COLLECTION WINERY PO Box 4140, Napa, CA 94558 Winery: 4411 Redwood Rd, Napa, CA 94558 P: (707) 255-1144 F: (707) 253-1682 E-Mail: info@hesscollection.com Founded 1983 Bonded Premises: CA-6869 Personnel: Pres., Thomas Selfridge (tselfridge@hesscollection.com); Dir. Winemkg., Dave Guffy (dguffy@hesscollection.com); V.P. & CFO, Brian Dunn (bdunn@hesscollection.com); Sr. V.P. & Nat'l. Sls. Dir., Gary Bulger Annual Case Prod.: 500,000+ Products: table wine Brands: Artezin Tasting Room: Yes Wine Club: Yes E-Commerce: Yes Top Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec
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