Lions Head Lion Tamer Red Blend 2018
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Hess has long been known for their big, bold, mountain Cabernets and a little Malbec finds its way into many of their blends. The name Lion Tamer has become a nickname for Malbec because they use it as their tannin tamer. Much like a Lion Tamer who uses a deft hand to soothe powerful, instinctive animals, Winemaker Dave Guffy uses Malbec to soothe powerful tannins. This red blend brings all the roar of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, and when blended with Malbec, produces a big, lush wine that finishes with smooth and tamed round tannins.
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Wine Spectator
Dense huckleberry and blackberry pie notes are rich and succulent on a dense, velvety frame, with details of dark chocolate, chai tea, sarsaparilla and fresh sage linger on the long, expressive finish. Malbec, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Carignan. Drink now through 2034.
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Wine Enthusiast
This blend of Malbec, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Carignan is a satisfyingly rich, round and silky. The full-bodied, supple palate boasts flavors of black cherry, currant and blueberry alongside hints of game and tobacco.
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Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.