This is an amazing opportunity!  2 bottles of 1986 Hess Collection Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, impeccably cellared by donor George and Linda Weinstock.  Per Hess Winery's winemaster, this wine should be exquisite, however, too ensure an extraordinary wine experience, Hess Winery donated a magnum of the latest release of this same wine, a 2006 Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon.  In addition, they offered us a Tour of the Palate Food & Wine Pairing for four people at the Hess Collection Winery in Napa, featuring pairings of three current releases. AND if the auction winner brings the 1986 vintage to the Tour, winemaker Scott Shirley, who enjoys older wines, has volunteered to spend some time and guide you through a tasting.

Per Hess Winery - Most people who bid on older wines at auction have an understanding that they are entering uncharted waters.  Wine is an ever-changing thing, and as it ages, it takes on characteristics that are decidedly different than what you will experience during, say, the first 5-10 years of its existence.  For most California Cabernets, a decade is the outer range where most people begin to find that wines have changed enough to be less desirable, depending on their personal experience and understanding of the wine.  But if a wine has been cellared well, as this wine appears to be, and if the owner understands that the aged wine will certainly be different, to be appreciated on its own merits, the experience can be quite compelling!!