2008 Hourglass Merlot Blueline Vineyard
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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.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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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