Wine built to enjoy right now, or to explore a bit further down the road as it gains even greater complexity.

The Hess Collection Chardonnay shows a nice mix of ripe, core fruits and sweet oak flavors; nicely textured on the palate.

The Hess Allomi Vyd Cabernet is a consistent, top performer; exhibits black fruit and savory oak; fine, sweet tannins; and a fine, long finish

88 PTS WINE SPECTATOR. The '98 Hess Collection Cabernet shows off pretty spicy, toasty, anise-scented oak, then balances it with ripe cherry, plum and currant-laced fruit; firms up with richness.

Soft and gentle, the polished '98 Hess Select Merlot is a fine example of this varietal; this is a great starter wine for those desiring to try their first red wine with a fine meal; a delicious wine!

The Hess Syrah is pleasant, medium bodied red with a good firmness to it; ripe and roundish in the aftertaste.

88 PTS WILFRED WONG. Rich yet stylish, the elegant '98 Hess Collection Cabernet is a stellar wine with excellent impact on the palate; excellent with grilled beef.

90 PTS, CELLAR SELECTION, WINE ENTHUSIAST. The '01 Hess Collection Cabernet is very, very tannic and closed now; should develop well; balanced; there's a core of sweet blackberry and cherry fruit.

92 PTS WINE & SPIRITS. Rustic in the best sense, this has the deep, resinous herb scent that's made Mendocino so famous. The tannins lend grit to the palate along with layers of flavor.

The Hess Collection Mountain Cuvee is a strong Bordeaux-style red wine; long and powerful on the palate.

#72, TOP WINES OF 2006, 94 PTS, WINE ENTHUSIAST. The '02 Hess Collection is an outstanding Cab; notable not just for its lush black currant and mocha flavors, but the outstanding tannic structure.

88 PTS WINE ENTHUSIAST. The '03 Hess Collection Mountain Cuvee is a lovely claret; softer and more forward than most Napa mountains Cabs; rich blackberry, cherry, cocoa and toasty, new oak flavors.

85-88 PTS WINE SPECTATOR. The '03 Hess Collection Mt Veeder Cabernet is austere, though well-made, with fine balance to the range of spicy, mocha-tinged currant and blackberry fruit, cedary oak.

89 PTS WINE SPECTATOR The 04 Hess Collection Cab is supple and graceful, especially for Mt Veeder, offering a mix of dried herb, ripe currant and cherry; ends with a layered, complex aftertaste.

A tasty bottle of Hess Cabernet Sauvignon packed with a mustard/cheese dip, crisps, olives, and caramels.

90 PTS WILFRED WONG One of the treasures from the BevMo Cellar, the '86 Hess Collection Cabernet offers ripe fruit, a bit of cedar and vanilla and a pleasingly soft palate.

If you like big Cabernets, you will love this wine; ripe black fruit with loads of tannins; slightly closed now; should develop well; on the palate there's a core of sweet blackberry and cherry fruit.

Monterey. Aromas of green apple, lime and pineapple with touches of nougat and caramel. 13.4% ABV

Shows real character in the ripe citrus, melon and lemongrass flavors, dryness and crisp acidity. 13.5% ABV

California. Ripe plum and raspberry with flavors of caramel and tobacco. 13.9% ABV