Winemaker's Notes

The 2023 vintage of HGIII offers a bold yet refined expression of its signature blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah. Aromas of ripe boysenberry, fig compote, and berry jam are lifted by floral notes of geranium, accented with fennel and a touch of licorice. On the palate, bright, youthful tannins frame a rich core of dark fruit, balanced by savory nuances of baker’s chocolate and coconut macaroon. Aging in a precise mix of new and seasoned barrels adds structure and complexity, resulting in a wine that is powerful, polished, and enduring, with a finish that lingers gracefully.

Winery Notes

Hourglass Winery is a family-owned boutique winery in Napa Valley, founded by Jeff and Carolyn Smith in the late 1990s. The winery focuses on small-lot, estate-grown wines produced from two distinctive vineyards: the original four-acre Hourglass Vineyard north of St. Helena and the twenty-acre Blueline Vineyard near Calistoga. The name “Hourglass” reflects the narrow “pinch” of the valley where the first vineyard sits, creating unique soil and climate conditions that yield complex, site-driven wines. Since its first vintage in 1997, Hourglass has been known for crafting elegant, expressive Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends that balance power and finesse.

Varietals: Merlot, Petit Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon