Select HESS!

When the weather finally cooperates (with its assigned season), it’s time to celebrate. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or lakefront, grilling on the deck, or chatting with your best friend on the porch, you’ll want a glass of refreshing wine that tastes as relaxed and grateful as you feel. I discovered three such wines (sent as samples) from the Hess Family Wine Estates’ Hess Select portfolio.

The premise behind each bottle of Hess Select is to “seek out vineyards throughout California to find grapes that elevate the everyday wine experience”. Who can argue with that? I found the flavorful, easy drinking wines delicious choices to make every day sipping taste so much better. Now, where’s the deck chair and a wine glass?

The Hess Family Wine Estates is recognized as one of the top family owned and managed companies in the wine industry. Founded in 1978, this California winery, in its 40^th year, is entering the 5^th generation of family management. To honor these achievements, the winery has launched a new wine, Hess Select Pinot Gris 2017, and has updated the packaging for the Hess Select line. The contemporary and colorful labels continue to feature the familiar lion symbol, a bow to the Hess Family crest and philosophy: “live each day with the heart and courage of the lion”. They also include “Family Owned c. 1978”, a tagline that recognizes the commencement of this family’s legacy.

But what’s inside each bottle of Hess Select? Authenticity and good taste are found in each sip thanks to a winemaking style that’s just as modern as it is classic.

Hess Select Pinot Gris 2017 ($13) – Perfect for a warm spring or summer day (but really, any day or night…) is this luscious Pinot Gris. A fragrant bouquet of lemons, white roses, and fleshy peaches was presented in the glass – I was smitten! Continuing on the palate were notes of citrus, stone fruit, florals, and snappy minerality. The refreshing, fruit-driven finish was a late afternoon delight with our cool pasta salad on the back porch.

Hess Select North Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2016 ($13) – From California’s North Coast is this delightful Sauvignon Blanc. Bursting with mesmerizing aromas of just-cut grass, tropical fruit, pineapple, and salinity, I couldn’t wait to have that first sip. Flavors of juicy citrus, stone fruit, apricots, and oranges were balanced with vibrant acidity and a crisp, steely mouthfeel that led to a lingering, invigorating finish. This wine was an exceptional complement to my fresh garden salad with grilled shrimp.

Hess Select Chardonnay 2016 ($13) – Approachable and flavorful, I noted aromas of tropical fruit, fresh squeezed lemons, and zesty citrus on the nose. My palate was just as delighted with elements of tangerines, oranges, wood, minerality, and hint of oak on the finish. Creamy and balanced with lipsmacking acidity, I can’t imagine not having a bottle of the Hess Select Chardonnay at the ready for any occasion. Enjoy each more-than-satisfying sip with grilled chicken and roasted vegetables.

Cheers! ~ Cindy