{"product_id":"hourglass-cabernet-sauvignon-estate-2021-napa-valley-california","title":"Hourglass Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (Napa Valley, California) - [JD 98] [VM 97] [JS 97] [WA 96-98] [DM 96] [WS 94]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHourglass 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHourglass 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2023 Hourglass Estate Cabernet Sauvignon showcases hallmark aromatics of caramelized red fruit, savory herbs de Provence, and earthy undertones, amplified by the intensity of small-berried heritage See Clone vines. Across the palate, the wine’s deep concentration is energized by natural acidity, a result of cooler afternoons as the sun dips behind the hills. Red currant, pomegranate, and dark sour cherry lead, grounded by denser black currant and flashes of dried herb. Firm, polished tannins and a powerful mid-palate are balanced by sleek textures and subtle oak, delivering a dynamic, age-worthy expression with both structure and lift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points – Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“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.” (Dec 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Vinous Media: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is one of the very finest wines I have tasted at Hourglass, if not the finest. Deep, inky and explosive, the 2023 stains the palate with inky dark fruit, graphite, incense, new leather and pencil shavings. This vertical, statuesque Cabernet is a total looker. All of this fruit is See Clone on 110R rootstock. St. Helena dialed up to eleven.” – Antonio Galloni (Nov 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Restrained aromas of volcanic earth, mountain herbs, black currants, olives and spices. The palate is full-bodied with a textural, rounded mouthfeel, bright acidity, fine tannins and a mouthwatering, dark-fruited finish. Give it some time in the bottle for maximum reward. Drink or hold.” (Apr 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96-98 Points - Wine Advocate: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“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.” – Joe Czerwinski (Jun 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Decanter Magazine: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“This blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot is sourced from See clone Cabernet planted in 1991, using cuttings from Martha’s Vineyard, on east-facing Hambright soils marked by fractured bedrock and obsidian. The wine carries a notably generous character, showing exceptional fruit purity and an immediately appealing, downright delicious profile. Plump, open-knit tannins give a sense of lushness and breadth without ever tipping into flabbiness, while bright, lifted acidity helps support the silky, generous fruit. Easy-drinking and highly approachable, this is a wine to enjoy while the Blueline Estate bottling continues to gain complexity with an extra year or two in bottle. Aged for 22 months in 90% new French oak. Winemaker Adrien Halpin has been making the wine since 2019, with Tony Biagi continuing to consult after becoming a partner that same year.” – Jonathan Cristaldi (Mar 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Spectator: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Dark and winey, with subtle, juicy energy in reserve that should easily carry the core of black currant, bitter plum, walnut husk and singed alder through some cellaring. The tobacco-coated finish helps give this a steady presence. Best from 2027 through 2038. 600 cases made.” – JM (Sep 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VINIFERA WINE MARKETING","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":46571352064159,"sku":"","price":249.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/hourcab.png?v=1788400189","url":"https:\/\/artisan.wine\/products\/hourglass-cabernet-sauvignon-estate-2021-napa-valley-california","provider":"Artisan W\u0026S","version":"1.0","type":"link"}