About

The idea of Hourglass was born from a place, yet ultimately would become a journey of human discovery. The interplay of terroir and artistic intention yields wines of unique personality that possess an intriguing dialectic: rich with layers of concentration yet vibrant with a tensional edge; classically structured yet silky in texture; unquestionably modern but with traditional stripes. 

As Winemaker Tony Biagi notes, “2015 is right behind 2013 in terms of quality. The previous three years of drought, coupled with a weak El Niño year with its dry spring, summer and early fall, has produced opulent, full throttle wines. The vintage reminds me of 2008, which also delivered opulent, forward wines.”

Yeasty blackberry cobbler, Asian spice, exotic Mandarin orange peel, and a touch of graphite defines its aromatics. Explosive, rich, dark very complex layers of delicious fruit evoke blackberry, sour cherry, crème de cassis and an intriguing note of Hoisin. The texture has a rounded suppleness, with a firm spine from its Cabernet component to tighten the structural core and add a trailing finish. The finish is long and expansive. Amazingly approachable now, this wine has the stuffing to age gracefully and could outrun common assertions of age-ability for Merlot. The 2015 Merlot should hit its peak in 2020-2022, and may be great for many years after.

Napa | California | USA

Merlot 81% | Cabernet Sauvignon 13% | Petit Verdot 3% | Malbec 2% | Cabernet Franc 1% 

Food Pairing: BBQ Pork Rib, beef stew, blue cheese burger