Hourglass "Blueline Estate" Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
(Napa Valley, California) - [DM 97] [VM 96] [JD 96] [JS 96] [WA 95-97] [WS 92]

About the Winery:
Hourglass is a family-owned boutique estate in Napa Valley founded by Jeff Smith on property purchased by Jeff’s father in 1976. Their first vintage was 1997 with Bob Foley, a family friend and maker of Pride Mountain, Switchback Ridge, and Paloma, serving as winemaker. Foley was followed by Tony Biagi, of PlumpJack and Cade fame.

Hourglass vineyard lies in the St. Helena AVA, rising from the valley floor to a 70-foot knoll top. There is a unique microclimate here, characterized by cooling breezes, which increase diurnal temperature swings, due to the hourglass-like shape of the valley with the vineyard located at the precise point where the hourglass comes to a pinch and hence its name.

In 2006, Jeff purchased a second, twenty-acre vineyard located near Duckhorn’s Three Palms Vineyard in Calistoga. He called this parcel Blueline Vineyard in reference to two “blue-line” streams that border the property—what remains of a much larger riverbed where the vineyard is now. 

About this Wine:
A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and 2% Malbec, aged 20 months in 80% new French oak, 20% seasoned oak. Its hallmark characteristics are driven by the minerality the vineyard elicits - bright floral aromatics, with tension and brightness to counterbalance its concentration and richness.

Tasting Notes:
The 2023 Blueline Estate Cabernet Sauvignon leaps from the glass with soaring aromas of wild violet, bramble, and warm toasty notes, wrapped in vivid floral intensity. On the palate, a thread of dark chocolate bitterness weaves through vibrant ruby-red, black and blue fruits, framed by a fresher, more elegant profile shaped by the cooler season. Sleek, refined tannins create a taut yet polished texture, while the hallmark crushed stone and crackling minerality of Blueline's rocky Cortina soils drive energy and lift. Subtle hints of graham cracker and delicate oak tones carry through a long, vibrant finish. 

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Decanter Magazine: 
“In 2023, this is a full-bodied, robust and richly structured red, with building tannins that are fleshy and juicy, edged with a velvety polish. Blackberry and black cherry fruit form the core, lifted by precise mineral freshness and verve. There is excellent restraint and tension throughout, though this remains a generous wine make no mistake. The blend comprises 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, drawing on Cabernet Sauvignon Clones 4, 338, 337 and See, alongside estate-grown Bordeaux varieties. Aged for 22 months in 75% new French oak, it reflects the character of Blueline Vineyard’s volcanic ash and Cortina series cobblestone and gravel soils. Winemaker Adrien Halpin has led production since 2019, with Tony Biagi continuing to consult after becoming a partner that same year.” – Jonathan Cristaldi (Mar 2026)

96 Points - Vinous Media: 
“The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueline Estate is an elegant, sophisticated wine. This has closed down quite a bit since I last tasted it, but that should not be an issue in another few years' time. Deep layers of red-toned fruit, blood orange, pomegranate, cedar and new leather build as this potent, strapping Cabernet shows off its personality. There's a lot of wine here. All this needs is time to emerge from its shell.” – Antonio Galloni (Nov 2025)

96 Points – Jeb Dunnuck:
“Ultra-classic and lights-out good, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueline Estate is based on 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 5% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec, aged for 22 months in 80% new French oak. Red and black fruits, spicy wood, tobacco, and savory herb and chocolate nuances all emerge from this beauty, which is medium to full-bodied, balanced, has fine tannins, and a great finish. It does everything right and is well worth your time and money. There are roughly 990 cases produced. Drink bottles any time over the coming 15-20 years. Drink 2025-2045.” (Dec 2025)

96 Points - James Suckling: 
“There’s an underlying mineral- and earth-driven feel, with aromas of black currants, wet stones, red bricks, dried herbs and spices. The palate is mid-weighted with fine tannins. bright acidity and a mouthwatering finish. Vibrant and full of energy. Drink or hold.” (Apr 2026)

95-97 Points - Wine Advocate: 
“Comprising the bulk of the Blueline Estate fruit, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueline Estate was aging in 90% new French oak when I sampled it in February 2025. The harmonious nose offers up softly dusty earth, dried spices and mixed red and black cherries, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is silky and supple while retaining a linear shape and ample structure, finishing with great length.” – Joe Czerwinski (Jun 2025)

92 Points - Wine Spectator: 
“Warm cassis and black cherry compote notes lead the way in this polished version, which lets alder smoke, tar and licorice root notes peek in through the finish. A touch shy on energy, but there’s a nice encore of fruit on the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2035. 800 cases made.” – JM (Sep 2026)