Hourglass 'Blueline Estate' Merlot 2015Calistoga

"Merlot from the Blueline Estate continues to amaze us! The ashen soils of the upper bench of the estate where the Merlot is planted, are not typical of Merlot vineyards. Almost completely devoid of clay (very common for Merlot vineyards), these porous, mineral-rich, nutrient-poor soils provide incredible drainage that in turn yield spring water deficits and very small berries. These small berries translate to great concentration and firm tannins in the wines. The 2015 Merlot is dark and brooding, akin to the 2008 vintage.
Yeasty blackberry cobbler, Asian spice, exotic Mandarin orange peel, and a touch of graphite defines its aromatics. Explosive, rich, dark very complex layers of delicious fruit evoke blackberry, sour cherry, crème de cassis and an intriguing note of Hoisin. The texture has a rounded suppleness, with a firm spine from its Cabernet component to tighten the structural core and add a trailing finish. The finish is long and expansive. Amazingly approachable now, this wine has the stuffing to age gracefully and could outrun common assertions of age-ability for Merlot. The 2015 Merlot should hit its peak in 2020-2022, and may be great for many years after."