Hourglass Vineyards bottles two wines, a 100% estate from Blueline and Hourglass Vineyard Cabernet. The Blueline vineyard is located just south of Calistoga. The 2011 Blueline Estate Merlot is 77% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot aged 16 months in 40% new oak. 2011 was a very challenging year for the Napa Valley as the weather was extremely cool.
The initial front palate has notes of allspice and cinnamon with a rounded tannin. The mid palate shows flavors of vanilla cherry cola and firm acidity. The mid palate has good minerality but is a bit overwhelmed by a jamminess quality reminiscent of a cool weather zinfandel. The finish has notes of coffee and chocolate supported by well balanced tannin.
I appreciate Hourglass and their continued attempt to push a standalone Merlot. The positives of this Merlot are outweighed by the jamminess that leaves the wine a touch fruitier than drier. But still a solid offering from a top flight winery in a tough year.
2011 Blueline Estate Merlot is $75 and only available on the mailing list. For fans of Merlot it is worth to invest in two bottles to compare.
