The Hess 19 block from Mt Veeder vineyards is my favourite under $50 California wine. Every vintage of this stuff is bang on. Flavourful with structure, grippy tannins and balanced acidity. I'd say it's the best wine Hess makes.

Blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, 9% Syrah, 7% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. Gorgeous aromas of black and red currants, cassis and cedar waft from the glass. It's full-bodied with very good, balanced acidity. Flavours mimic aroma profile plus some herbal and spice notes. Tannins nicely integrated and a long, somewhat spicy finish. Tasted Oct/2013.

Description: Deep ruby with a medium+ intense nose.

This is an investment wine, meaning it should blossom in 5-7 years

Positives: This complex wine features cedar, cherry, plum, blackberry, blackcurrants, sage, pencil lead, turmeric, cassis, mocha, leather & spinach. Medium+ body with green tannins, good acidity & a long length.

Negatives: There’s some heat from the 14.2% alcohol

Interesting Point: Decant for an hour. This wine is worth the $10 extra over Hess’s Allomi (reviewed earlier)

Drink now or in the next 12 years on its own or pair it with Kansas City Strip steak.

Tasted: 6 May 2014

Score: 9+/10, Value: 8.5+/10, Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4+