2023 Hourglass Cabernet Sauvignon Blueline Estate
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Tasting notes
Ultra-classic and lights-out good, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueline Estate is based on 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 5% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec, aged for 22 months in 80% new French oak. Red and black fruits, spicy wood, tobacco, and savory herb and chocolate nuances all emerge from this beauty, which is medium to full-bodied, balanced, has fine tannins, and a great finish. It does everything right and is well worth your time and money. There are roughly 990 cases produced. Drink bottles any time over the coming 15-20 years. Drink 2025-2045.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueline Estate is an elegant, sophisticated wine. This has closed down quite a bit since I last tasted it, but that should not be an issue in another few years' time. Deep layers of red-toned fruit, blood orange, pomegranate, cedar and new leather build as this potent, strapping Cabernet shows off its personality. There's a lot of wine here. All this needs is time to emerge from its shell.
Comprising the bulk of the Blueline Estate fruit, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueline Estate was aging in 90% new French oak when I sampled it in February 2025. The harmonious nose offers up softly dusty earth, dried spices and mixed red and black cherries, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is silky and supple while retaining a linear shape and ample structure, finishing with great length.
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Blueline Estate is a super-classic wine. Bay leaf, sage, menthol, licorice and dried herbs give the 2023 a decidedly savory quality that reminds me of wines from the 1970s. The 2023 includes a block of Clone 4 Cabernet that does not usually go into this blend but really lends this an old-school profile. Equally bold, incisive tannins add to that impression. This is absolutely compelling.