Hess has long been known for their big, bold, mountain cabernets and a little malbec finds its way into many of their blends. The name Lion Tamer has become a nickname for malbec because they use it as their tannin tamer. Much like a lion tamer who uses a deft hand to soothe powerful, instinctive animals, Winemaker Dave Guffy uses malbec to soothe powerful tannins. This red blend brings all the roar of Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon and petite sirah, and when blended with malbec, produces a big, lush wine that finishes with smooth and tamed round tannins.
— Winemaker's notes