2017 Hourglass Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker Notes
The aromatics are explosive – high-tone rose petals and toasted espresso beans lead into both red and dark cherry notes. The tension of the vintage can be felt on the palate immediately – a delicate balance of high natural acidity flowing into a rich dense mid-palate of silky soft tannins. Red fruit notes of pomegranate and red cherry intertwine with dark sour cherry, soft french plum, and a blackcurrant core. Savory notes of black olive, saddle leather, and cigar box frame the fruit tones providing a wonderful interwoven mouthfeel that continues to build into what seems like an everlasting finish.
94 James Suckling: An impressive red with crushed blackberries, blueberries, and cedar. Full-bodied, tight, and framed. Beautiful ripe fruit and spices. 95% cabernet sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. Drink or hold.
92 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: Deep garnet-purple colored and containing 5% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Hourglass Estate needs a little coaxing to reveal fragrant black currant cordial, plum preserves, and baked black cherries notions with hints of bay leaves, lavender, crushed rocks, and mossy tree bark. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is still pretty tightly wound, with a firm foundation of chewy tannins and loads of freshness curtailing the muscular fruit, finishing earthy.
2017 Hourglass Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker Tony Biagi
Vintners Jeff and Carolyn Smith
Partners The Chilton and Clark Families
Vineyard Designation Hourglass Estate
Soil Series Hambright and Fractured Bedrock
Appellation St. Helena, Napa Valley
Varietals 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Barrel Program 22 months in new 100% French Oak