2022 HOURGLASS HG III NAPA COUNTY PROPRIETARY RED Hourglass Estate consists of two small vineyards, the first of which was purchased in 1976 by a real estate agent named Ned Smith, who had a keen lay of the land and felt that this small plot two miles north of Saint Helena had promising potential. After Ned’s passing in the early 1990s, his son Jeff took over the responsibilities, hiring Dr. Mark Kliewer, Dean of Viticulture at UC Davis, to analyze the site and replant the Zinfandel with Cabernet Sauvignon. Ned’s intuition about the land’s potential proved to be spot on, as the estate's unique terroir has become renowned for producing exceptional wines. Jeff's collaboration with Dr. Kliewer marked the beginning of a new era for Hourglass Estate, focusing on creating high-quality, distinctive wines that capture the essence of the Napa Valley. Jeff purchased another vineyard just south of Calistoga in 2005, and today, Hourglass produces rich, full-bodied Old-World-style wines with famed winemaker Tony Biagi at the helm. Tony gained nearly ten years of experience making wines for Plumpjack. This second vineyard acquisition allowed Hourglass to expand its repertoire and enhance its reputation in the winemaking community. Under Tony Biagi’s expert guidance, the estate has continued to thrive, producing wines that are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and exceptional quality. The combination of Jeff’s vision and Tony’s expertise has solidified Hourglass Estate’s status as a producer of some of Napa Valley’s finest wines. The 2022 HG III presents a fine-tuned blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah, delivering a silky smooth, refined Napa Valley red blend with a long, supple finish. This expertly crafted blend showcases the best attributes of each varietal, resulting in a wine that is both harmonious and complex. The Merlot adds softness and approachability, the Cabernet Sauvignon contributes structure and depth, while the Petite Sirah imparts rich, dark fruit flavors and a touch of spice. Together, these elements create a wine that is both luxurious and accessible, offering a delightful tasting experience that lingers on the palate. The 2022 HG III exemplifies the meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality that Hourglass Estate is known for, making it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts. Winery Notes: "HGIII, Hourglass' flagship blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah, shines in the 2022 vintage, with Merlot commanding attention and delivering unmatched expressiveness. Aromas of red and black currants intertwine seamlessly with lavender and herbes de Provence, creating a floral interplay. On the palate, dark sour cherry and inky black cassis take the spotlight, supported by supple tannins and vibrant acidity. Subtle notes of light roasted coffee, plum, wild strawberry, and fennel add layers of complexity. The careful blend of 50% new and seasoned barrels ensures freshness while imparting barrel spice and structure, resulting in a wine of power, elegance and lasting impression."