Hess Collection is more known for its rich and extracted red wines (especially Cabs), but they a make mean white. The Allomi Vineyard sits at the base of Howell Mountain in a remote area of Napa Valley, spending its days in tourist-free peace. It’s an enviable spot. Can you say secret, trespassing picnic?
The resulting wine has a deliciously tropical fragrance, thanks to the generous addition (50%) of the Musque Sauvignon Blanc clone. Fuller-bodied and less tart than New Zealand Sauv Blancs, it’s soft with fruit on the tongue and finishes dry. Peaches and citrus gush out of the glass and onto the tongue then settle into a refreshing river of acidity that ends in a tropical finish. Nicely done.
Sweetness: 1 out of 10
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Price: $14-$16
Occasion: Tasted a sample sent from the winery.
Availability: High end wine shops
Food pairing: Seafood sauteed or steamed in garlic, lemon and olive oil; proscuitto; a green salad topped with sauteed shrimp
