1999 Hess Select

[hotwine]

Picked up a couple of bottles today and decided to have one tonight with beef stew. Lots of berry fruit on the nose and palate with cedar rolling in and a distinct note of Malbec; moderate finish, 13% ABV. The blend isn't mentioned on the labels, but the Hess Collection Website says the 2000 was made with 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot,
4% Malbec, 4% Petite Syrah. I'm no WW-style wino-phile when it comes to Cali Cabs, but IMHO this blend is dumbed-down; it ain't one that I'm gonna rush out and grab a case of. The Speculator gave it an 87, but that's a bit generous in my book.