Donald Hess ventured into the California wine business when he bought vineyards in Mt. Veeder in 1978. A bit later he bought the Old Christian Brothers Winery to make wines from those vineyards. In 2011 Hess’s daughter Sabrina, and her husband, Tim Persson took over the winery now called Hess Persson Estates. While they make wines from their estate grapes, those with the Hess Select label are sourced from select growers. This yummy Pinot Gris with its light yellow color, lemony aromas with a light grassy note, citrus, Granny Smith apple fruit with fresh, crisp acidity is just the wine for sipping by the pool, with buttered popcorn or a Caprese salad.
Hess Select, California (United States) Pinot Gris 2021
By Rebecca Murphy