Napa Valley: The Hess Collection
We chose to end our wine-tasting tour at The Hess Collection for one reason: ART. This winery houses a private two-story collection of modern art that adds a little extra flair to this wine tasting excursion. Any time something says, “…also houses the [whatever] gallery,” we go. Why spend so much time with blank walls or among stock photo-art (this is why I cannot handle hospitals) when there are places with more interesting things to put in front of your face? Whether it’s bizarre, comforting, abstract, or frighteningly realistic, art is intellectually and emotionally stimulating. What could go better with wine? Between the two, all your senses come alive.
Pale yellow with white peach and strong apricot flavors. Very soft and just delicious. Ms. K’s favorite.
Apple nose and dark pink in color, this syrah rosé has a smooth raspberry flavor with long lingering resonance that feels good on the tongue. The representative described it as “red wine you can chill” — perfect for summertime.
2014 Pinot Noir | Sonoma Coast
Strong scents of the soil with a delicately earthy flavor — this one’s for you, Malbeca!
2013 Artezin Zinfandel | Dry Creek Valley
Ruby red with a pink edge, cherry vanilla nose with spice on the front and a zing on the end.
2013 Petite Sirah | Napa Valley
Dark ruby nearly purple in color, this onewill suck your mouth dry.
2012 30th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon | Mount Veeder
Smooth, blood purple, and delicious. That’s all we remember. Kretch’s favorite.
2012 19 Block Mountain Cuvée | Mount Veeder
Chewy, dark, and oaky.
After sipping on a dozen wines, we walked through the gallery and finished our experience in the barrel room (which smelled amazing!) Not only are the barrels available for view, the winery has display cases of soil in the tasting room for those of us who love discussing the terroir (…Malbeca…)
Check out our other wine tastings in Napa: Trinitas Wine Tasting and Frank Family Vineyards.
Title Photo: “Homage” | 1974 | Leopoldo Maler
