Hess Select Sauvignon Blanc

Hess Select Sauvignon Blanc is a 100% varietal North Coast California white wine bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced primarily from Lake County vineyards and fermented entirely in stainless steel, this bottling has earned Gold medals at both the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (2015 vintage) and the Los Angeles International Wine Competition (2017 vintage), establishing a consistent track record across multiple releases.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: North Coast, California (Lake County)  |  Style: Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc  |  Producer: Hess Persson Estates

Production & Heritage

The Hess Collection was founded by Swiss entrepreneur Donald Hess, who first acquired vineyards on Mount Veeder in Napa Valley in 1978. The winery operates under Hess Persson Estates and sources fruit for its Select tier from cooler-climate vineyards across California's North Coast, with Lake County serving as the primary growing region for this Sauvignon Blanc. Fermentation takes place exclusively in stainless steel tanks with no oak influence, preserving the grape's natural acidity and bright fruit character. Cool weather during the late growing season — particularly from August through harvest — allows for extended hang time on the vine, developing riper stone fruit and tropical flavors without sacrificing the crisp acidity that defines the varietal.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright citrus — lemon zest and grapefruit peel — before giving way to layers of yellow apple and dried bay leaf. Subtle tropical notes of pineapple and lychee emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The palate entry is crisp and immediate, led by juicy grapefruit and navel orange. At mid-palate, flavors of yellow stone fruit — peach and apricot — round out the citrus core, while lime zest and a mineral undertone add tension and complexity. The overall impression is bright and well-balanced, with fruit ripeness kept in check by firm acidity.

Finish: The finish is long and supple, with lingering lime zest and a subtle minerality that keeps the palate refreshed. A clean, dry close invites the next sip without fatigue.

How to Drink Hess Select Sauvignon Blanc

Serve well-chilled between 45–50°F to highlight the wine's natural acidity and aromatic lift. This is a versatile white that drinks beautifully on its own but also shines in lighter cocktails and spritzers. A White Wine Spritzer with club soda and a twist of grapefruit lets the citrus profile speak clearly. A Hugo Spritz — combining the wine with elderflower liqueur, sparkling water, and fresh mint — plays off the tropical and herbal aromas nicely. For a simple warm-weather serve, try it in a Wine Cooler with peach nectar and a splash of soda, which amplifies the stone fruit mid-palate.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners featuring grilled fish or light pasta
• Summer entertaining where a crowd-pleasing, food-friendly white is needed
• Introducing new wine drinkers to quality California Sauvignon Blanc
• Pairing alongside a cheese board at a casual gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hess Select Sauvignon Blanc taste like? This wine leads with bright grapefruit and lemon zest, transitions into ripe peach and apricot at mid-palate, and finishes with lingering lime zest and subtle minerality. It is crisp, dry, and fruit-forward without being sweet.

How does Hess Select Sauvignon Blanc compare to Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc? Both occupy a similar value tier among California Sauvignon Blancs, but Hess Select sources primarily from Lake County's cooler-climate vineyards, which tends to yield higher natural acidity. The 100% stainless steel fermentation in Hess Select produces a leaner, more mineral-driven profile compared to rounder, fruit-forward California bottlings.

Is Hess Select Sauvignon Blanc good for beginners? Its approachable price point and bright, clean flavor profile make it an excellent starting point for anyone exploring Sauvignon Blanc. The absence of oak keeps the palate straightforward and easy to appreciate.

Where is Hess Select Sauvignon Blanc made? It is produced by Hess Persson Estates, with grapes sourced from North Coast California — primarily Lake County, a high-elevation growing region known for warm days and cool nights that preserve acidity in white varietals.

What foods pair well with Hess Select Sauvignon Blanc? Fresh goat cheese complements the wine's acidity and citrus notes. Grilled shrimp or seared scallops mirror the clean, mineral finish. A classic Caesar salad echoes the herbal, zesty character. Sushi and lighter sashimi work well alongside the wine's crisp palate. Thai green curry balances the wine's fruit and acidity against gentle spice.

What sizes does Hess Select Sauvignon Blanc come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Hess Select Sauvignon Blanc worth the price? It positions as a value-tier California Sauvignon Blanc, delivering competition-medal quality and Lake County fruit sourcing at an entry-level price point. Critic scores averaging 86–87 points across multiple vintages confirm reliable quality for the category.

Why Hess Select Sauvignon Blanc?

What separates this bottling from the crowded field of affordable California whites is its combination of cool-climate Lake County fruit and strict stainless steel handling — a deliberate choice that preserves varietal purity rather than masking it with oak or residual sugar. The extended hang time made possible by Lake County's cool late-season temperatures delivers riper tropical and stone fruit flavors without the trade-off of flabby acidity that plagues many warm-climate Sauvignon Blancs. Multiple Gold medals at major competitions validate the consistency of the winemaking across vintages. For a wine at this price tier, the balance of bright acidity, genuine fruit complexity, and clean minerality represents a level of intention that is increasingly rare.