Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Finally getting around to posting wines from my annual Napa trip from two weeks ago. Always goes by quick! Lots of fun new stops this year.

We returned to Hourglass after our visit in 2018 as the wines are just so enjoyable, but the tasting cave may be one of the coolest spots to enjoy a glass of wine.

Against the Blueline cab, this showed more ripe and rich. A true balance of red, blue and black fruits. Blueberry compote, graphite, soft oak integration, and a warmer profile. More nutmeg and espresso here compared to the Bluelines vanilla and herbal flair. Fig and Andes mint are added on the palate with a touch more silky profile. Possibly more approachable than the Blueline counterpart.

Whitney had this 8 years ago

needs time in the bottle to show its true colors. it is quite tight right now, but promises to be a very serious wine in a few years.

Sunday and it's Father's Day so to all the delectable gang fathers - have a great one

So not a mid tier and while this is good I had great plans for this baby - the vision was to bask in the boldness and beauty of this Napa usual stellar Cab but not going to sing tonight as a great opera and not going to win the beauty contest as well BUT this was the first sip without a decant

After a longer than usual decant the wine of three hours this started to open - it still needs air and think it will improve - how much is the question - I fear not much and I fear this wine is as good as it gets NOW

I can say I love deep garnet color - I get smells of black cherries mainly but some other earthy smells as well - taste is nice with big juicy black fresh cherry fruits with dark cocoa - very supple powdery tannins produces a moderate finish

So why not a higher score - I guess I expected more and lately I have had 9.5 or better and this is not that

All said it is Father's Day and we are relaxing and enjoying this baby with smiles to boot - aren't Sundays a great day!!!

Very lovely CS. I give the edge to Blueline, however very close. Great balance of fruit and veiny acid.

Rich & ripe blackberries, dark cherries, blueberries, plum, dark cherries, lean strawberries spice, strong dusty tannins, anise, big minerality; dry stones & crushed rocks, dry floral bouquet, good structure, high acidity with a round, full, rich, ripe elegant finish that last 30-40 seconds.

Black cherry, plum, black licorice, lavender, nutmeg, vanilla. Still tight with grippy tannin and bright acid. Would love to try this in 5 years.

Smoked meat on the nose. Intense blackberry on the palate with big tannins and oak notes. Needs to rest for s couple of years at least.

Lavender & Cedar on the nose...lavender hits a bit hard but it tastes of wonderfully ripe blackberries with real complexity that I need to wait for it to open more perhaps. Winemaker & Owner seemed like terrific people.

Recently released. Aromas of fennel, tar, iron, grouse and black fruits. Firm tannins, well sculpted. Lively acidity. Mouth filling. Classic.