2019 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Blend

The 2019 Hourglass HG III Proprietary Blend is a polished, modern red from Napa Valley that delivers richness, approachability, and real depth of character. Crafted to showcase the best of the vintage, it marries the power of Napa fruit with a velvety, luxurious texture that’s instantly appealing. Named after the third generation of the Hourglass family, HG III has become the estate’s signature expression of a generous, drink-now Napa blend.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 HG III shows a deep, opaque ruby color with a vivid crimson rim, hinting at both concentration and freshness. The nose is inviting and layered: ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plum compote are supported by notes of cocoa, mocha, and baking spices, with a subtle hint of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied yet supple, with a plush, rounded mouthfeel and fine-grained tannins. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and cassis intertwine with milk chocolate, espresso, and a touch of sweet tobacco. The mid-palate is generous and seamless, leading to a long, smooth finish with lingering notes of dark fruit and spice. While crafted to be enjoyed in its youth, the structure and balance suggest it will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 5–8 years, gaining additional complexity and integration.

Production
Sourced from select sites across Napa Valley, the 2019 Hourglass HG III draws on the region’s varied terroirs—well-drained gravelly soils, warm days, and cool nights—to build both power and finesse. The proprietary blend typically leans on Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, often with a supporting role from Petite Sirah or similar varieties to add color, density, and spice. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, sorted carefully to ensure only pristine fruit is used, then fermented in temperature-controlled vessels to preserve aromatics and fruit purity. Aging in a significant portion of French oak barrels, with some new oak, contributes structure, polish, and those hallmark chocolate and mocha notes that define the HG III style.

Food & Serving
The 2019 HG III is a versatile Napa red that pairs beautifully with hearty, flavor-forward dishes. Think grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops with rosemary, or a gourmet cheeseburger with aged cheddar. It also works well alongside mushroom risotto, roasted root vegetables, and firm cheeses such as Manchego, aged Gouda, or Comté. Serve at 16–18°C (60–65°F) for optimal balance of fruit and structure. A brief decant of 30–45 minutes helps the aromatics open and softens the tannins, especially in the wine’s first few years.

Producer
Hourglass is a boutique Napa Valley producer known for crafting small-lot, vineyard-driven wines that emphasize precision, balance, and site expression. Founded by the Smith family, the estate takes its name from the unique hourglass-shaped geography of its original vineyard in St. Helena, a narrow pinch point in the valley with distinctive gravelly soils. Over time, Hourglass has expanded its holdings to include carefully chosen sites, developing a reputation for refined, expressive Cabernet Sauvignon and blends. HG III was created as a more accessible, earlier-drinking expression of the Hourglass style, and it has since become one of the winery’s most beloved wines, helping solidify its status among Napa Valley’s top boutique producers.

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