Origin: Napa Valley, CA
Grape: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Petite Sirah
Year: 2016
Alcohol: 14.3%
Price point: $50
Year Reviewed: 2018
Many of my good friends know that I am not a huge enthusiast or supporter of Napa Valley Wines; I feel they are highly priced and often overrated. This Hourglass wine was rated 100 points at the CA wine tasting I attended with a cost of $49.99. After further investigation, other ratings were between 93 and 96 points. Opened this for Chirstmas day to enjoy with my prime rib, having huge expectations for this bottle. Let’s see???
On the eyes, a lovely rich deep purple wine. Not much on the nose upon opening, but kept swirling to open it up. So right away, some faint cherry, smoke and mocha. On the palate, 1st taste, decided that this bottle needed to open up for an hour and would come back to it to properly rate it.
HG III opened up beautifully, and this creamy, velvety blend was a dry, medium acidic and well-integrated tannic wine. Body on this wine was medium + . The merlot, which there must be over 70% in this, is what carried the wine flavors. I experienced mocha, ripe cherry, some nuttiness and a bit of spice. I could not place my finger on the spice, but maybe thyme or sage. What I loved most about this was how silky and smooth this wine was on the palate. Finish was medium, when I anticipated it would be long, only about 30 seconds or so. Great job by the winemaker, Tony Biagi. Quality was very good. Paired well with some cheese appetizers and my prime rib.
For more info see www.Hourglasswine.com