Mabon
(Hourglass) Morisoli Vineyard Heritage Field Blend 2023
(Rutherford, Napa Valley, California) - [DM 96] [JD 95] [VM 93]

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.

Mabon is a passion project for Jeff, his wife Carolyn, and winemaker Tony Biagi, who are ardent admirers of Rhône Valley wines. They have long believed the wines of yesteryear California resembled the make-up of the famous blends of the Rhône. Mabon is the creative outlet for all to explore these varietals, styles, and the heritage vineyards of California. Their stellar reputation in California and trusted relationships with growers throughout the state laid the path for Tony and Adrien Halpin (Assistant Winemaker at Hourglass) to gain access to numerous historic vineyards for the Mabon wines.

About this Wine:
This wine incorporates Zinfandel, Mourvedre and Carignane and possibly more - it is from a “mixed black” vineyard with vines aged between 50-100 years old. Mixed black is a term used to describe the old-school field blend plantings popularized by Italian immigrants in the late 1800s that at the time were commonplace in California. Grape growers planted a random assortment of vines across multiple varietals to make one final field blend wine.

Tasting Notes:
A true reflection of its rugged terroir and the dynamic nature of the vintage, the 2023 Heritage Blend is both vibrant and deeply expressive. Aromatically, delicate rose petal and wild strawberry mingle with notes of cherry cola, eucalyptus and Sarsaparilla, hinting at the wine's layered complexity. The palate is electric, led by bright acidity that gives way to flavors of red currant, bramble, and warm allspice. The unique conditions of this vintage - marked by Rutherford's red soils, dappled light and a mix of flashier, riper clusters alongside higher-acid berries - create a wine of striking balance and energy.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - Decanter Magazine: 
“This is a seriously fun and structured Zinfandel, sourced from vines planted in 1985, fermented in stainless steel with pumpovers and aged for 16 months in 25% new Burgundian French oak. The wine is highly expressive of its old-vine heritage, showing impressive concentration alongside a wonderfully fresh and vibrant fruit character. Lovely red floral notes are laced throughout, held together by precise, ultra-fine, velvety tannins. Fresh and focused, it delivers excellent depth, energy, and mineral tension. If you think you’re not a Zinfandel fan, this wine may well change your mind entirely.” – Jonathan Cristaldi (Jan 2026)

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck: 
“A field blend from the historic Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford and vines planted in 1985, the 2023 Heritage Blend is mostly Zinfandel with Petite Sirah and Carignan aged 16 months in 25% new French oak. Rocking aromatics of red plums, blue fruits, violets, flowers, and peppery, spicy nuances all shine here. It's medium to full-bodied, has a round, layered, seamless mouthfeel, and ripe yet present tannins. It's loaded with character and will cruise over the coming 10-12 years, if not more. There are roughly 252 cases produced. Drink 2025-2037.” (Dec 2025)

91-93 Points - Vinous Media: 
“The 2023 Heritage Blend is a gorgeous, promising wine. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and dried earthy notes are all effortless in the glass. This shows more precision and balance than the 2022. There's a good bit of character waiting to emerge.” – Antonio Galloni (Nov 2025)