2023 Hourglass "Blueline Estate" Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

The 2023 Hourglass Blueline Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced exclusively from the estate's Blueline Vineyard in Calistoga, where a distinctive band of blue shale beneath the vines inspired the vineyard's name. The site's combination of volcanic soils, fractured shale, gravel, and clay naturally limits vine vigor, producing small, intensely flavored berries while preserving freshness. The wine is composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Each vineyard block is harvested by hand at peak ripeness, fermented separately in small lots, and aged for approximately 20–22 months in predominantly new French oak before the final blend is assembled. The 2023 vintage benefited from one of Napa Valley's coolest and longest growing seasons in recent years.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Founded in 1992 by Jeff Smith and now led by Jeff and his wife, Carolyn, Hourglass farms two exceptional estate vineyards in Calistoga: the original Hourglass Estate and the Blueline Estate, where volcanic soils, gravel, and fractured shale naturally produce low yields of intensely concentrated fruit. Under the direction of acclaimed winemaker Tony Biagi, Hourglass has refined a style that emphasizes vineyard expression over excess. Biagi, whose résumé includes PlumpJack, Cade, and a number of Napa Valley's most sought-after Cabernet programs, is known for crafting wines that marry power with freshness, structure, and remarkable finesse. His thoughtful, hands-on approach in both the vineyard and cellar allows each site to speak clearly while preserving balance and age-worthiness.