Hourglass is a modern benchmark Napa Valley estate founded by Jim Smith, known for intense, structured, and polished wines from estate plots in St. Helena and Calistoga.
"HG III" is the estate's more approachable proprietary blend, built to bridge early-drinking pleasure with serious Napa Valley weight. The 2023 combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Sirah, layering lush dark fruit richness with silky, fine-grained oak integration.
Critical Acclaim:
94 Points, James Suckling:
"Bright, fresh and focused, with red berries, blackberries, spices, crushed stones and an earthy undertone on the nose. The palate is mid-weighted with fine-boned tannins and a juicy yet dry finish."
94 Points, Wine Spectator:
Expressive and detailed, with multilayered red currant and cherry flavors taking on rose petal, dusty sage and black tea accents that build tension toward medium-grained tannins. Merlot, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon."
Why You'll Love It
- A luxurious Napa Valley red blend built for immediate drinking pleasure.
- Petite Sirah adds a deep purple hue, inkiness, and structured back-end grip.
- Bursting with black cherry, cocoa powder, vanilla bean, and toasted cedar spice.
- An accessible entry point into Hourglass's polished, structured house style.
How To Serve It
- Serve at cool room temperature, between 62°F and 65°F.
- Decant for 45 minutes to an hour to open up its dense fruit core.
- Bordeaux stems frame its rich, broad-shouldered profile.
- Pair with grilled ribeye steak, bacon cheeseburgers, or braised short ribs.