Hourglass takes its name from the fact that the vineyard defines the pinch, or narrowest part of the hourglass shaped Napa Valley. Proprietors Jeff and Carolyn Smith's vineyards lie two miles north of St. Helena off of Lodi Lane and Highway 29. Neighboring vineyards include Grace Family, Colgin's Tychson Hill, Vineyard 29, Ahern, Korte Ranch. The wine is made by the talented Tony Biagi, who also made wine at Plumpjack.
JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "Ultra-classic and lights-out good, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueline Estate is based on 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 5% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec, aged for 22 months in 80% new French oak. Red and black fruits, spicy wood, tobacco, and savory herb and chocolate nuances all emerge from this beauty, which is medium to full-bodied, balanced, has fine tannins, and a great finish. It does everything right and is well worth your time and money. There are roughly 990 cases produced. Drink bottles any time over the coming 15-20 years. Drink 2025-2045."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 95-97 POINTS - "Comprising the bulk of the Blueline Estate fruit, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueline Estate was aging in 90% new French oak when I sampled it in February 2025. The harmonious nose offers up softly dusty earth, dried spices and mixed red and black cherries, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is silky and supple while retaining a linear shape and ample structure, finishing with great length."
JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "Ultra-classic and lights-out good, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueline Estate is based on 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 5% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec, aged for 22 months in 80% new French oak. Red and black fruits, spicy wood, tobacco, and savory herb and chocolate nuances all emerge from this beauty, which is medium to full-bodied, balanced, has fine tannins, and a great finish. It does everything right and is well worth your time and money. There are roughly 990 cases produced. Drink bottles any time over the coming 15-20 years. Drink 2025-2045."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 95-97 POINTS - "Comprising the bulk of the Blueline Estate fruit, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueline Estate was aging in 90% new French oak when I sampled it in February 2025. The harmonious nose offers up softly dusty earth, dried spices and mixed red and black cherries, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is silky and supple while retaining a linear shape and ample structure, finishing with great length."
