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2002 Hourglass Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker

Bob Foley

Vintners

Jeff and Carolyn Smith

Partners

The Chilton and Clark Families

Vineyard Designation

Hourglass Estate

Soil Series

Hambright and Fractured Bedrock

Appellation

St. Helena, Napa Valley

Varietals

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

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Tasting Profile

Though greatly appreciative of the critical acclaim the 2002 vintage generated, it was not my favorite upon release. When prompted, I would point to 2001 and 1998 as vintages reflective of Hourglass at its best. Beyond the seductive flavors the vineyard induces, balance and grace have always been what defines Hourglass to me. With 2002, I feared we might have pushed the ripeness envelope a bit. This was a big wine when released and I felt the alcohol might not integrate as well as some of our more balance vintages.

Interestingly, the ‘02 has followed a very similar aging arc as previous vintages, even with slightly higher alcohol. The compaction of flavor components (what we refer to as losing the “baby fat” of fruit forwardness) has revealed over time a very tight knit structural core—key for aging. The wine has integrated a complex weave of red and black fruit flavors and phenolic compounds that are exceptionally well balanced now. Still explosive with flavor and the usual Hourglass aromatic markers of mint, black olive, red and black currant, the ‘02 has tamed into a very seductive and nuanced wine with a firm spine. The textural mid-palate is wider then previous vintages, but hardly overblown, and there remains a very long finish. The red/black currant fruit expression is pure and deep, complemented by secondary expressions of soy and Asian spices.

Cellaring Potential

This wine still has loads of fruit left and a strong structural spine. We see it aging gracefully with the potential for more interesting secondary aromatics and flavor notes over time. At a minimum, it should hold its own for another 10 years, maybe longer.

~ Jeff Smith, January 2016

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