2017 Hourglass Right Bank Blueline
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Tasting notes
More black cherries, currants, tobacco leaf, and herbal notes emerge from the 2017 Merlot Blueline Estate, a ripe, sexy Merlot loaded with flavor. A blend of 79% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec and the rest Cabernet Franc, aged 16 months in two-thirds new oak, drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Merlot is laced with dark cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice and spice. Forward and supple with terrific fruit purity, the 2017 is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Dollops of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot round out the blend.
Made up of 79% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Malbec, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Merlot Blueline Estate features notions of baked plums, fruitcake and sautéed herbs with hints of blueberry preserves, moss-covered bark and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, the palate is generously fruited with baked plums and spicy layers, supported by a light chew of tannins, finishing on an earthy note.
The 2017 Merlot Blueline comes across as raw and not totally put together. Today, the new oak is a bit prominent, which suggests the wine is not fully formed, and yet there is terrific depth to the black cherry, lavender, spice and menthol flavors. Time should help the slightly aggressive tannins soften as the wine finds its center of balance during aging.