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 read more...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.    (hide)

Good deep Ruby-red. Slightly high-toned aromas of black cherry, menthol and nutty oak. Broad, dry and rich, with licorice and mineral notes complicating the dark fruit flavors. Very good, but can't match the estate's superb 2004 for sheer palate-saturating material. I found myself wishing for a bit more definition and grip. Owner Jeff Smith told me that this vineyard was harvested on November 17, with the fruit still in good condition despite five separate rain events in the final weeks of the gr...

Community Tasting Notes (average 93.2 pts. and median of 93 pts. in 5 notes)

Rating for United States-California: 95 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: too young, let it sit<br/>