{"product_id":"hourglass-hg-iii-red-blend-2023-napa-valley-california-xx","title":"Hourglass \"HG III\" Red Blend 2023 (Napa Valley, California) - [WS 94] [DM 94] [JS 94] [JD 92] [VM 91]","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\u003eA study in the art of blending with Merlot, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon comprising the core elements: Merlot offers sleek, approachable texture and tangy brighty red fruit; Petite Sirah provides the anchoring base tones of dark blue and black fruit, while Cabernet Sauvignon weaves it all together with structural framing and elegant refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2023 vintage of HGIII elivers a bold and captivating expression, showcasing its signature blend of \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eMerlot, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon with fresh energy and depth.  Aromatically, the wine is a vibrant interplay of ripe boysenberry, fig compote, and berry jam, lifted by notes of geranium flowers, fennel and a hint of licorice. On the palate, bright, youthful tannins frame the rich core of dark fruit, balanced by savory elements of baker's chocolate and coconut macaroons. A precise blend of new and seasoned barrels contributes structure and complexity, ensuring a wine that is both powerful and refined, with a lingering finish that speaks to its pedigree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Spectator: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Expressive and detailed, with multilayered red currant and cherry flavors taking on rose petal, dusty sage and black tea accents that build tension toward medium-grained tannins. Merlot, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2035. 7,000 cases made.\" – Tim Fish (Sep 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Decanter Magazine: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This blend of 41% Merlot, 38% Petite Sirah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% other red varieties is sourced from estate and vineyard sites including Jaeger, Orchard, Bolen Park, Varozza, and the Blueline Estate, and was aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak. Winemaker Adrian Halpin has been crafting the wine since 2019, with Tony Biagi continuing in a consulting role after becoming a partner that same year. The result here is a big, bold, and robust red blend, delivering a rich tapestry of blue fruit and black cherry notes, cola spices, and fine-grained tannins. Dark loamy earth and savoury spice carry through the finish.' – Jonathan Cristaldi (Jan 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points – James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Bright, fresh and focused, with red berries, blackberries, spices, crushed stones and an earthy undertone on the nose. The palate is mid-weighted with fine-boned tannins and a juicy yet dry finish. Drink or hold.\" (Apr 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points – Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Based on 41% Merlot, 38% Petite Sirah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% other red varietals and aged 16 months in 50% new and seasoned French oak, the 2023 HG III sports a ruby\/plum hue as well as ripe red and black fruits, chocolaty herbs, and spice. It's medium to full-bodied, round, supple, and balanced, with some classic Napa richness and depth while staying light and balanced. There are roughly 13,000 cases produced. Drink this charming, sexy beauty over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2025-2032.\" (Dec 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Vinous Media: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2023 HGIII is a tasty entry-level Merlot-based blend from Hourglass. Forward and bright, with lovely upfront fruit, this mid-weight, juicy red is a delight. Drink it over the next few years.\" – Antonio Galloni (Nov 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VINIFERA WINE MARKETING","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":53843478217069,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/hgiii.png?v=1788269600","url":"https:\/\/artisan.wine\/products\/hourglass-hg-iii-red-blend-2023-napa-valley-california-xx","provider":"Artisan W\u0026S","version":"1.0","type":"link"}