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Red wine | Napa Valley, California
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The Hourglass HG III Proprietary Blend is a masterful expression of Napa Valley winemaking, crafted by the renowned Tony Biagi. Designed to showcase the balance between richness and vibrancy, this wine is a Merlot-dominant blend that draws its character from the estate's prestigious Blueline Vineyard and other carefully selected sites across Napa Valley. The 2023 vintage is particularly expressive, offering a complex aromatic profile of ripe boysenberry, fig compote, and delicate floral notes of geranium, underscored by savory hints of fennel and licorice.
On the palate, it is bold yet refined. The Merlot provides a sleek, approachable texture with bright red fruit components, while the Petite Sirah adds depth, structure, and anchoring bass notes of dark fruit. The Cabernet Sauvignon weaves these elements together, resulting in a wine that is powerful, polished, and enduring. With its well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity, it stands as a versatile companion for the dinner table.
This wine is an excellent choice for those who appreciate the depth of Napa Valley reds. Its rich profile pairs beautifully with savory, hearty dishes—try it with braised short ribs to match its weight, herb-crusted rack of lamb to highlight the savory aromatics, or a mushroom risotto to play into its earthy undertones. For an indulgent finish, it complements dark chocolate desserts perfectly. Whether you are looking for a reliable weeknight upgrade or a bottle to anchor a special multi-course dinner, the HG III delivers estate-level quality that is both approachable now and capable of evolving gracefully over the next 7–8 years.
Rich and bold, I'd love this with some braised short ribs or a hearty mushroom risotto. Dark chocolate could be an interesting finish! Quite balanced.