2008 Hourglass Cabernet Sauvignon Blueline Vineyard

(15.5% alcohol): Good medium ruby. Musky aromas of black raspberry and dark chocolate. Fat, sweet and round, with smoky earth tones nicely complementing black raspberry fruit. A hint of eucalyptus provides lift. An essentially soft cabernet with plenty of extract. Finishes with building tannins and a slight alcoholic warmth. Hourglass is seeking to reduce the alcohol levels in its wines while keeping phenolic material, and plans to use shade cloth to moderate the direct sunshine on the fruit.