Hourglass III Red Blend 2015
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Winery Tasting Notes: Vibrant, fresh black and Bing cherry, blackberries and pomegranate mingle with elevated notes of roasted hazelnut and toasted vanilla bean in an explosive and compelling aromatic profile. On the palate, layers of fruit, crossing a spectrum of red and black berries, incorporate the best elements of blending Merlot, Cabernet and Petite Sirah (the “III” of HG III). Merlot provides supple and sleek mid-palate texture, while Cabernet contributes a firm core structure and extended finish. The “secret sauce” of HG III, however, is the addition of a touch of old vine, dry farmed Petite Sirah, which imparts depth, chewy richness, layers of bright, pure fruit and an unmistakable hint of dark chocolate. The resulting wine is decidedly lush and seductive with an expansive, lingering finish.
Blend: 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet & 10% Petite Sirah
Alcohol Level: 15%
Winemaker Name: Anthony Biagi
Maturity: Drink now – 2020
Pairings: beef brisket with buerre rouge, dark chocolate, blueberry
Fun Facts: 2015 represented the fourth year of California drought, replicating the conditions of the mid 1970’s. Some of the mid ‘70’s vintages remain legendary for their longevity and freshness due to the wine’s classic structural core. This is likely a function of small berry sizing (as a result of drought conditions), and the sequence of vintages from 2012 to 2015 is playing out much like those drought vintages of the mid 70’s. Though different in character, these four vintages share a commonality in depth of concentration, freshness of fruit expression and a tightly woven inner core of structure. Where the 2015 vintage separates itself from the three prior vintages is in a greater level of saturated fruit expression. These wines are dense in color and mouth coating in texture.
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