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- 149 cases made. Last tasted 09-20-05. Most of the fruit was under contract to Duckhorn winery. Because of this commitment, the fruit Hourglass took that year was in close proximity to the three eucalyptus trees that flank one perimeter of the vineyard. This vintage is punctuated with an elevated aroma of eucalyptus, and mint, balanced by sweet coffee notes. Full body fruit flavors accented with crème-de-cassis, dark chocolate, tar, and hints of pomegranate. Slight hints of VA that originally provided texture are now narrowing with maturity. Good tannin structure, but tannin is not as balanced with fruit as it is in later vintages. Round mid-palate softness associated more with Merlot (but HG is 100% Cab). Long deep finish with lingering eucalyptus and pomegranate. A very solid wine, but has some angles that are better integrated in later vintages. Eucalyptus more evident when first opened and with colder tempratures, but opens nicely with decanting and is now showing more complex woody aromatics of aging. The eucalyptus is gaining in the aromatic and flavor profile as the fruit matures. Has shown exceptionally well against other top Napa Valley '97 Cabs. When tasted blind upon its release in 2001by David Stevens (then director of Tra Vigne's wine program, and now owner of ACME Fine Wines) and 25 wine industry professionals, along side '97 Harlan, '97 Screaming Eagle, and '97 Bryant, Hourglass never placed less than third in the flight with many higher ratings. Decant 2 - 4 hours for full aromatics and texture.
Aging Potential - Drinking well now, this wine may be at its peak. Our recommendation is to drink '97 now, or over the next two years.
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