2016 Hourglass 36-24-36 Blueline Estate
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A gorgeous, captivating wine, the 2016 36-24-36 Blueline Estate Red Wine is superb today. The 36-24-36 is a selection of the best barrels of See Clone Cabernet from the Blueline property, co-fermented with some Petit Verdot, a combination that works beautifully here. Racy and exuberant, the 36-24-36 is also the most flamboyant wine in the range. An extra dimension of textural sweetness from the Darnajou barrels winemaker Tony Biagi favors here adds to the wine's opulent, super-ripe feel. Bittersweet chocolate, spice and vanillin punctuate this inviting, racy Cabernet from Hourglass. (AG)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
This is pulled-in, very tight and powerful with really powerful tannins. Aniseed, blueberries and currants. Full body. Delicious finish. Needs three to four years to soften.
Deep purple-black in color, the 2016 Blue Line 36/24/36 leaps from the glass with expressive black cherries, crème de cassis and blueberry compote notes with touches of molten chocolate, licorice, unsmoked cigars, cedar chest and underbrush plus a waft of bay leaves. Full-bodied, opulently fruited and totally decadent in the mouth, it has a firm frame of super ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
The 2016 24-36-24 Blueline Estate Red Wine is stellar and also one of the better wines I have tasted from Hourglass in some time. In 2016, winemaker Tony Biagi opted for a greater percentage of co-fermented lots. Maybe that explains why the 2016 is so harmonious and impeccable in its balance. Silky tannins add to the wine's expressive, inviting personality.