2013 Hourglass "Blueline Estate" Napa Valley Merlot

“The 2013 Merlot Blueline Estate is a ripe, sexy beauty that offers classic plum and currant-driven dark fruits, espresso roast and gravelly, earthy notes (not unlike a top Pessac-Leognan) as well as full-bodied, unctuous and decadent style on the palate. Nevertheless, nothing’s over the top, it has terrific purity, and over the course of the evening, it gains more and more breadth, depth and texture.” (07/2017)

“The 2013 Merlot Blue Line has 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec included in the blend. It comes from a vineyard near Switchback and exhibits terrific purity, lush, ripe strawberry jam and black cherry notes along with some mocha and chocolate. Dense purple, plump and corpulent, it is a total hedonistic turn-on to drink over the next decade. (RP)” (12/2015)

“The 2013 Merlot Blueline has come together nicely since last year. Dark, supple and rich, the 2013 offers tons of depth and up-front appeal. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, spices and new leather all flesh out in the glass. There is plenty of tannin and acidity behind the lush fruit, but the 2013 will drink well pretty much upon release. Today, it is delicious. (AG)” (10/2015)

“Focused and sleek, with aromas of red currant and tomato leaf leading to elegantly complex flavors of plush cherry, mocha and spice. Tannins sneak in on the finish. (TF)” (11/2015)