2016 Hourglass Cabernet Franc Blueline Estate
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Tasting notes
One of the gems is the 2016 Cabernet Franc and the quality of cuvées based on this variety are soaring in Napa Valley. This beauty gives up tons of black, black fruits, tobacco, and smoked earth, with just subtle hints of spring flowers developing with time in the glass. It’s medium to full-bodied, elegant, and seamless on the palate, and is a thrilling wine to drink over the coming 15+ years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Cabernet Franc Blueline is just as superb from bottle as it was from barrel. Powerful and vibrant, with terrific intensity, the 2016 is super-expressive and nuanced today. Espresso, mocha, spice, new leather and menthol add aromatic nuance to the dark fruit. I very much like the sense of energy here.
Deep purple-black in color, the 2016 Cabernet Franc Blueline Estate features beautiful scents of warm redcurrants, black cherries and black raspberries with touches of cinnamon toast, aniseed, forest floor and stewed tea. Full-bodied, concentrated and packed with red berry and spicy layers, it has a firm structure of grainy tannins and a long, earth-laced finish.
The 2016 Cabernet Franc bristles with energy and tension. Sweet floral notes and bright acids give the 2016 much of its distinctive personality. All the elements are very nicely balanced in this pretty, alluring Cabernet Franc.