Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon

Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon is a North Coast California red blend bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The wine has earned a 90-point aggregate score on Wine-Searcher across multiple vintages, and the 2017 vintage received a Gold medal from Mundus Vini — recognition that underscores its consistency and quality at an accessible price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: North Coast, California  |  Style: Cabernet Sauvignon Blend  |  Winery: The Hess Collection

Production & Heritage

The Hess Collection operates from Mount Veeder in Napa Valley, where founder Donald Hess established the winery in 1978. Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon draws fruit from across California's North Coast — 47% Mendocino County, 37% Lake County, and 16% Napa County — creating a multi-appellation blend that captures regional diversity. The final cuvée is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by 11% Petite Sirah, 4% Malbec, 2% Merlot, 2% Syrah, and 2% Zinfandel, then aged for a full 18 months in 35% new French and American oak barrels. That extended barrel time is notably generous for wines at this price point, where many producers shorten aging to reduce costs.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Black cherry and ripe plum lead, followed by warm caramel and a subtle thread of smoke. Cedar and a touch of dusty oak emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is lush and round, with concentrated black cherry and fleshy plum dominating the front palate. Mid-palate, spice notes of clove and nutmeg surface alongside hints of boysenberry jam and black currant. A backdrop of vanilla and soft oak frames the fruit without overwhelming it.

Finish: Medium in length with graceful, soft tannins and a lingering trail of baking spice and dark chocolate. The finish stays fruit-forward without turning bitter or overly tannic.

How to Drink Hess Select Cabernet

Serve at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, in a large-bowled glass to let the aromatic layers unfold. The wine drinks well on its own without decanting, though 20–30 minutes of air helps integrate the oak. It also works in cocktails: try it in a Cabernet Sangria with sliced stone fruits that echo its plum character; a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) where the soft tannins blend seamlessly; or a New York Sour, where the wine's dark fruit float adds visual drama and flavor depth to the bourbon base.

Best For

• Weeknight dinner pairing with grilled meats or pasta
• Introducing new wine drinkers to Cabernet Sauvignon blends
• Stocking a versatile house red for casual entertaining
• Gifting a reliable, well-reviewed California red

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hess Select Cabernet taste like? Hess Select Cabernet delivers concentrated black cherry and plum flavors with warm spice notes of clove and nutmeg, wrapped in soft tannins and a vanilla-touched finish from 18 months of oak aging.

How does Hess Select Cabernet compare to Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are popular California Cabernets in a similar value tier, but Hess Select distinguishes itself with a six-grape blend that includes Petite Sirah, Malbec, Syrah, Merlot, and Zinfandel for added complexity. Hess Select also undergoes a full 18-month barrel aging program in French and American oak, which contributes a rounder, more integrated oak character.

Is Hess Select Cabernet good for beginners? Yes — the soft tannins, fruit-forward profile, and moderate 13.5% ABV make this an approachable entry point for anyone exploring Cabernet Sauvignon or California red blends.

Where is Hess Select Cabernet made? Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by The Hess Collection, based on Mount Veeder in Napa Valley, California. The grapes are sourced from vineyards across the North Coast, spanning Mendocino County, Lake County, and Napa County.

What foods pair well with Hess Select Cabernet? Grilled ribeye steak matches the wine's plum richness; braised short ribs echo its spice and soft tannin structure; aged cheddar complements the vanilla and oak tones; mushroom risotto mirrors its earthy undertones; and dark chocolate desserts align with the finish's cocoa notes.

What sizes does Hess Select Cabernet come in? Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Hess Select Cabernet worth the price? Hess Select positions as a value-tier California Cabernet that punches above its weight class, largely because of the 18-month oak aging program and multi-varietal blending that many comparably priced wines do not offer. Its consistent 90-point aggregate and international Gold medals reinforce that it delivers strong quality for the investment.

Why Hess Select Cabernet?

The 18-month aging program in 35% new French and American oak is the defining advantage here — it is a commitment most producers at this price point simply do not make. The six-grape blend, anchored by 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and supported by Petite Sirah and Malbec among others, builds layers of complexity that a single-varietal bottling at this level rarely achieves. A Gold medal from Mundus Vini for the 2017 vintage and a 90-point Wine-Searcher aggregate across multiple releases confirm that this consistency is not accidental. For anyone seeking a well-structured North Coast Cabernet blend without the Napa Valley price tag, Hess Select stands as one of the most reliable options in the category.