Hourglass 2023 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Well-known winemaker Tony Biagi is the consistent force behind these high-quality wines from Hourglass.  Extremely limited.

98 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "From an estate vineyard in St. Helena, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Hourglass Estate sports a deep purple hue as well as a stunning nose of ripe currants, smoked tobacco, spicy wood, and graphite. Based on 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot and aged 22 months in 100% new French oak, it's incredibly complete, with full-bodied richness, a round, layered mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. It might be the finest vintage I've tasted of this cuvée. There are roughly 775 cases produced. Drink 2025-2055."

98 Points Robert Parker: "From the original home of Hourglass—a four-acre parcel just east of Highway 29 that's overlooked by Tychson Hill—the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate sings with exotic cherry and stone fruit elements, delicate florals and a hint of vanilla. It's full-bodied and firmly tannic but ripe and just needs a bit more time before it reaches its full potential."

Jeff Smith founded Hourglass in 1997, based on his parents' four-acre vineyard property on the north side of Saint Helena. Planted to See Clone on 110-R, Robert Foley (who was at Pride Mountain then) was the original winemaker. Smith purchased Hourglass's Blueline Estate in 2006 (next to Three Palms in the Calistoga AVA), which currently comprises 22 acres of vines. Tony Biagi (ex Plumpjack Group) is the current winemaker. Describing his philosophy, he said, "I try to be as minimalistic as possible. I'd never say never, but my red line is [adding] concentrate or [leaving] sugar."