Grand Cru Wine Merchants

Well-known winemaker Bob Foley is the force behind the wines of Hourglass. This tiny vineyard of around five acres is located just north of St. Helena on a gradually sloping hillside somewhat reminiscent of Colgin’s Tychson Hill Vineyard or Vineyard 29, both nearby neighbors. These hillsides are essentially the lower foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains and are largely volcanic rock and loamy soil called “hambright.” The 2005 is a beautiful wine, and another strong effort. Deep ruby/purple-colored with a beautifully pure nose of creme de cassis, spring flowers, subtle wood, and hints of graphite and cedar, the wine is rich, full-bodied, with sweet tannin, good acidity, and a long, long finish. It is still very youthful, but with 2-3 years of cellaring, this wine has the potential to jump a few points in score and will no doubt last for two decades. -94pts WA