Donald Hess wasn’t looking for the easy path—he was chasing the extraordinary. In 1978, he climbed high into the rugged slopes of Mount Veeder and founded The Hess Collection Winery atop one of Napa’s oldest historic sites.

At a time when almost no one dared to plant vines at elevation, Hess saw what others overlooked: volcanic soils, fierce mountain exposures, and a cool-climate edge that could shape wines with power, elegance, and layered complexity. What began as a bold gamble became a groundbreaking legacy—proof that greatness often lives far above the valley floor.

2022 Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley carries that same spirit of bold mountain winemaking, blending power and finesse in true Hess Persson fashion. Sourced from select Napa vineyards, including the rugged elevations that first inspired Donald Hess, this Cabernet earns its name by taming intensity with balance—lush dark fruit framed by supple tannins, lifted freshness, and the volcanic imprint of the region.

The addition of Malbec brings a vibrant juiciness that softens the wine’s wild edges, creating a polished, deeply expressive Cabernet that roars with character yet finishes with undeniable grace.

The 2022 vintage saw a harvest period from September 9th to October 17th, with grapes benefiting from optimal ripening conditions. This exquisite blend is composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, and 2% Petite Sirah, aged for 20 months in 40% new French and American oak, ensuring structure and nuanced complexity.

Winemaking leverages advanced technology in the Lions Head Cellar, including optical sorting for peak berry quality and cutting-edge tanks for precise fermentation control, guaranteeing wines that truly reflect their distinctive origins.