Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a Bordeaux-like effort that has rocking levels of minerality as well as spiced red fruits, dried herbs, and loamy earth on both the nose and palate. It’s another powerful, full-bodied wine from winemaker Biagi that has fine tannins, terrific balance, and the structure to drink well for 20-25 years. This cuvee is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, all aged in new French oak.
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James Suckling
An impressive red with crushed blackberries, blueberries and cedar. Full-bodied, tight and framed. Beautiful ripe fruit and spices. 95% cabernet sauvignon and 5% petit verdot. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple colored and containing 5% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Hourglass Estate needs a little coaxing to reveal fragrant black currant cordial, plum preserves and baked black cherries notions with hints of bay leaves, lavender, crushed rocks and mossy tree bark. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is still pretty tightly wound, with a firm foundation of chewy tannins and loads of freshness curtailing the muscular fruit, finishing earthy.
Rating: 92+
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.