Hourglass "Blueline Estate" Merlot 2023
(Napa Valley, California) - [DM 95] [WS 94] [JS 94] [WA 93-95] [JD 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:
The estate's gravelly river wash Cortina soils provide incredible drainage, yielding smaller berries with greater concentration and structure. Moreover, these soils contribute a noticeable minerality and vibrant tensional energy to the wines of the estate.

Tasting Notes:
The 2023 Blueline Estate Merlot is a striking expression of the vineyard's depth and vibrancy, balancing rich fruit intensity with layered complexity. Aromatically, dark red fruits intertwine with bright red currant and mandarin orange. The palate unfolds with plush layers of plum, hoisin saucer and anise, complemented by a structured mid-palate tannin presence. Carefully crafted to preserve its natural balance, the wine was destemmed with 50% crushed berries, underwent a two-day cold soak, and fermented on skins with meticulous pump-over management. The result is a Merlot of remarkable purity and tension, with vibrant acidty and supple tannins.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Decanter Magazine: 
“Sourced entirely from Blueline Estate Vineyard, located across the street from Three Palms on the east side of Silverado Trail, this red blends 80% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec, and 1% Cabernet Franc. The Merlot was planted in 1991, making these now mature vines in one of Napa Valley’s most respected neighbourhoods for the variety. The wine was aged for 20 months in 75% new French oak. The 2023 vintage builds steadily in the glass, opening with espresso bean and scorched earth notes layered over blackberry and black cherry fruit, almost Cabernet-like in its profile. The palate is marked by remarkably grippy, Barolo-like tannins that soften around juicy, spice-laced plum fruit and orange peel, carried by an ironstone mineral note through the long finish. It is arguably one of the most ageworthy Merlot-driven wines of the 2023 vintage, yet remains immediately appealing, juicy, energetic, and tension-filled. Blueline Vineyard’s soils are a mix of volcanic ash and Cortina series cobblestones and gravel. Winemaker Adrian Halpin has been making the wine since 2019, with Tony Biagi continuing to consult after becoming a partner that same year.”’ – Jonathan Cristaldi (Jan 2026)

94 Points - Wine Spectator: 
“Broad of shoulder yet rich and structured, with deep flavors of blackberry and cherry laced with dusty herb, coffee bean and savory spice flavors that build tension and tannins on the finish. Best from 2027 through 2035. 800 cases made.” – Tim Fish (Sep 2026)

94 Points - James Suckling: 
“Savory aromas of luscious black fruit, spices, stones and red bricks. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with finely framed tannins, succulent acidity and an earthy, minerally finish. Made from 80% merlot, 17% cabernet sauvignon, 1% malbec, 1% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc. Decant for maximum pleasure. Drink or hold.” (Apr 2026)

93-95 Points - Wine Advocate: 
“Hourglass's Blueline Estate is next to Three Palms, so for those familiar with Duckhorn's (and Sterling's) history with that site, it should be no surprise that Hourglass's 2023 Merlot Blueline Estate looks to be highly successful. Mocha, leather and black cherries appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is richly concentrated and structured, giving way to a long, tannic finish.” – Joe Czerwinski (Jun 2025)

92 Points – Jeb Dunnuck:
“Based on 80% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec, and 1% Cabernet Franc and aged 20 months in 65% new French oak, the 2023 Merlot Blue Line Estate offers red and black cherries, sappy herbs, flowers, and graphite notes. It's medium to full-bodied, with a pure, layered mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and fine tannins. This balanced, elegant, undeniably delicious Merlot should drink well over the coming decade. There are roughly 625 cases produced. Drink 2025-2035.” (Dec 2025)