2014 Hourglass Merlot Blueline Vineyard
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Tasting notes
More hedonistic and plush than the Cabernet Franc, the 2014 Merlot Blueline Estate offers classic chocolaty dark fruits, damp earth, violets and hints of cedar on the nose. With beautiful purity of fruit, a soft, forward, sumptuous style, no hard edges and a great finish, this downright sexy Merlot will be a killer crowd pleaser over the coming decade.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
As for the Blueline Estate, the 2014 Merlot Blueline Estate offers up mocha, a touch of underbrush, soft tannin and a juicy, round, chocolaty, black cherry and blackcurrant flavors with a medium body. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.
The 2014 Merlot Blueline has turned out nicely. A bit more reticent than it was last year, the 2014 offers pretty aromatic nuance in its scents of tobacco, savory herbs and spice. Dollops of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec add complexity throughout. This is an unusually subtle, nuanced Merlot long on class and personality.
The 2014 Merlot Blueline is fabulous. Floral and savory notes open up first, followed by intense dark red and blue fruits. A wine of delineation and nuance, the 2014 possesses terrific balance. I hope it goes into bottle just like this.