Hess Select MVRK Cabernet Sauvignon

Hess Select MVRK Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold Paso Robles red wine blending 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Petite Sirah at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Sourced from the Estrella District of Paso Robles, this expression earned 92 points from Wilfred Wong, reflecting its concentrated dark-fruit character and polished tannin structure.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Paso Robles, Central Coast, California  |  Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petite Sirah  |  Producer: The Hess Collection

Production & Heritage

The Hess Collection was established in 1978 by Donald Hess on Mount Veeder in the Napa Valley, and over four decades the winery has expanded its sourcing to select vineyards across California. MVRK draws its fruit from the Estrella District of Paso Robles, where sandy loam soils and proximity to the Santa Lucia mountain range create low-rainfall, high-quality growing conditions. Long, hot days tempered by cooling mountain breezes push the grapes toward full phenolic ripeness while preserving enough acidity for balance, and the 15% Petite Sirah adds density and inky color that pure Cabernet Sauvignon alone would not achieve.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pronounced black plum and currant lead the nose, layered with bright bing cherry and raspberry. Cedar, ground black pepper, and a touch of cardamom build complexity underneath the fruit.

Taste: The entry is bold and fruit-driven — dark berry compote, cassis, and blackcurrant move across the palate with real weight. Mid-palate, fine-grained tannins from the Petite Sirah component provide structure, while nuances of tobacco leaf, graphite, and sweet spice emerge. Concentrated flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and mulberry sustain through the peak.

Finish: Medium-long and velvety, with lingering impressions of chocolate-covered cherry, roasted espresso, and dried herbs. Toasted oak and a whisper of vanilla carry the close without turning heavy.

How to Drink MVRK Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 30 minutes of decanting to open up its layered aromatics. A broad-bowled Bordeaux glass helps concentrate the cedar and dark-fruit notes on the nose. For cocktail-adjacent serves: a Cabernet Sangria lets the berry compote character shine alongside citrus and stone fruit; a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) pairs the wine's espresso finish with caramel sweetness for a casual summer drink; and a Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a twist of orange lightens the body while preserving the fruit core.

Best For

• Weeknight steak dinners where you want a serious wine without a serious price tag
• Introducing red-wine drinkers to Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a barbecue or dinner party
• Building a case of everyday California reds alongside Napa and Sonoma selections

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MVRK Cabernet Sauvignon taste like? MVRK delivers concentrated dark fruit — black cherry, cassis, and blackberry — supported by fine-grained tannins and finishing with chocolate, espresso, and toasted oak. The 15% Petite Sirah adds extra depth and a velvety texture not typical of straight Cabernet Sauvignon.

How does MVRK compare to Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are fruit-forward Paso Robles Cabernets, but MVRK incorporates 15% Petite Sirah for added color and tannin density, while Austin Hope leans into a more oak-driven, higher-extraction style. MVRK generally sits at a lower price tier, making it a more accessible everyday option from the same appellation.

Is MVRK good for sipping neat? Yes — the balanced tannin structure and layered dark-fruit profile make it a satisfying pour on its own, especially after a brief decant to let the cedar and spice notes emerge fully.

Where is MVRK Cabernet Sauvignon made? MVRK is produced by The Hess Collection, founded in 1978 on Mount Veeder in Napa Valley, using fruit sourced from the Estrella District of Paso Robles on California's Central Coast. The Estrella District's sandy loam soils and Santa Lucia mountain breezes define the wine's ripe, full-bodied character.

What foods pair well with MVRK Cabernet Sauvignon? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's dark fruit and tannin weight. Braised short ribs mirror its chocolate and espresso undertones. Aged cheddar or Gouda amplify the cedar and spice notes. Lamb chops with a rosemary crust echo the dried-herb finish. Dark-chocolate desserts align naturally with the mocha and berry qualities on the palate.

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

Is MVRK worth the price? MVRK positions as an entry-level to mid-range Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, delivering concentration and complexity that often rivals bottles at a higher price point. The 92-point score from Wilfred Wong underscores its over-delivery for the category tier.

Why MVRK?

What separates MVRK from the crowded field of California Cabernets is the deliberate 85/15 blend with Petite Sirah — a co-ferment strategy that adds inky color, tannin grip, and a longer finish than most single-varietal Paso Robles Cabs at this price level. The Estrella District sourcing gives the wine a terroir signature rooted in sandy loam soils and dramatic diurnal temperature swings, contributing both ripeness and freshness in the same glass. Backed by The Hess Collection's four-plus decades of winemaking experience and recognized with 92 points from Wilfred Wong, MVRK stands as a serious, everyday red that punches well above its weight class in the Central Coast landscape.