2023 Hourglass, Blueline Estate Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley - 750ML

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

Hourglass’ Blueline Estate Cabernet Franc comes from the winery’s Blueline Estate in Calistoga, one of Napa Valley’s warmer northern reaches, where Cabernet Franc can achieve depth while retaining its aromatic lift and savory precision. The 2023 vintage captures the estate’s polished, modern Napa style with a beautifully expressive profile of dark fruit, floral nuance, and fine mineral tension.

Blend: 92% Cabernet Franc, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot.

Tasting Notes: Aromas of black cherry, raspberry, red currant, violet, tobacco leaf, and subtle herbal spice rise from the glass with polished intensity. The palate is medium to full-bodied and supple, showing layers of dark berry fruit, cocoa, crushed stone, cedar, and savory herbs, framed by dusty tannins and a long, composed finish.

Structure: Smooth, structured, and age-worthy, with Cabernet Franc freshness, refined tannins, and excellent length.

Drink Window: 2025–2040.

Decanting: Decant for 1–2 hours when opening young to allow the aromatics to unfurl and the tannins to soften. With additional bottle age, a shorter 30–45 minute decant should be sufficient.

This is a distinctive Napa Cabernet Franc for collectors and Cabernet lovers seeking something slightly more aromatic, savory, and nuanced than a traditional Cabernet Sauvignon. It has the polish to impress at the table now with decanting, while offering enough depth and structure to reward cellaring over the next decade and beyond.