2008 Hourglass Merlot Blueline Vineyard
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
(16.2% alcohol): Dark red. Exotic, high-toned aromas of roasted cherry, mocha, truffle and gravel. Fat, lush and sweet, with impressive depth of flavor. Finishes with a boatload of ripe tannins and suggestions of superripe fruit. And yet this high-toned wine, like the 2008 Blueline cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon bottlings, comes off as fresher than the 2007 version.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Surprisingly, my favorite of the three Blueline offerings is the 575-case cuvee of the 2008 Merlot Blueline. A stunning Merlot, it reveals full-bodied richness, lots of mocha and black cherry fruit, and a hint of chocolate offered in a dense, supple-textured, rich format. A resounding success, this 100% Merlot is minimally oaked (only 30% new French oak is used), and should bring back some Merlot enthusiasts to this unjustifiably abused varietal. It should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 6-10 years. Tel. (707) 968-9332; Fax (707) 968-9337