Hess Trio and Sequana
Here at Ed’s we bring in new wines all of the time. I’m so lucky because I’m often here during the day when the winery representatives come in and I get to taste some really nice wines, and help Perry and my Dad make decisions about what to bring in. A couple of weeks ago the lady from Hess was here, and aside from a good scratch behind my ears, she brought some great wines and some great deals.
New to the store are two wines- my favorite is a Pinot Noir from Sonoma made by James Mac Phail, called Sequana, specifically the Sun Dawg. I like to think of myself as a “Sun Dog” as I chase the sun spots around the floor of the store in the morning light. I enjoy absorbing the warmth on these cool February days, laying on my mat chewing my bones. Sundawg wine is from Sundawg Ridge, one of the smallest appellations in the Green Valley of the Russian River along the Sonoma Coast. The climate is cooler, with coastal fog in the morning that lies just below the ridge. The land is sustainably farmed and has well drained, rich soil to produce some of the finest Pinot Noir grapes in the Russian River. Sequana was the Goddess of the River Siene, or long river, in Paris, which this winery is named for. James MacPhail has been working for Donald Hess and the Hess family of wines for a few years now, specifically on Pinot Noir, and all of his wines garner high praise from the trade critics. This wine has a beautiful nose, with wonderful violet and red cherry fruit notes, strawberry and leather on the palate and a lingering finish of cranberry and allspice. I give it three bones.
Interestingly enough, Sequana will no longer be a label. James will be making wines for Hess exclusively under his own MacPhail label in the next few years- so look for those wines to be in the store upcoming. Right now is your chance to buy a wine that is small production, boutique, highly rated and will be rare.
Another new wine from Hess Collection is called Treo, red blend. Treo honors Donald’s three sons in law, who are continuing the tradition of sustainable farming, and leading the Hess Winery into the future with values and passion for the land. Hess Treo is a blend of Merlot, Syrah and Petite Sirah, a California Appellation, the fruit is sourced from several of the Hess properties. Aromas of dark cherry, plum and vanilla give way to flavors of pomegranate and black currant. The wine is well balanced with soft acidity. I would enjoy it with grilled mushrooms or cured meats and cheeses, but only if I’m a really good boy. I give it three bones!
By Brunello Giancola as told to CRBrown
