Reviews & Ratings

2021 Hess Persson Red Blends or Varietals "Lion Tamer"

Winery: Hess Persson

Vintage: 2021

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Lion Tamer"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 47% Malbec, 24% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot & 1% Carignan

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $50

Cases produced: 7,000

KWG Score: 91.2 (based on 6 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93.5)

Review date: May 5, 2025

Wine Review: This midnight purple colored Malbec based wine from Hess Persson opens with a mild black raspberry and gentle black cherry bouquet with hints of stewed plum. On the palate, this wine is full bodied with integrated medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, smooth, and rich. The flavor profile is an extracted blackberry and black licorice blend with notes of black tea and black pepper. I also detected hints of black raspberry and oak. The finish is dry, and its flavors, acidity, and modest dusty tannins are very nicely extended. I would pair this red blend with braised short ribs. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: We lead with Malbec in the blend to develop a softness in the tannins, making this a smooth and seamless wine. These mouthwatering tannins surround the palate, framing complex elements of black cherry, blueberry, and boysenberry with subtle notes of milk chocolate. In crafting this wine, our goal is to achieve perfect balance, with the layered fruit notes concentrated in the mid-palate, enveloped by well-integrated elements of baking spice and oak on the lengthy, elegant finish. Pair with grilled lamb chops. - Stephanie Pope, Winemaker

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Hess Persson 2021 Lion Tamer Red Blend.