2019 Hourglass HGIII Proprietary Blend Napa Valley 750 ml

Ever since the first release of Hourglass’s HG III Red a decade ago, Robert Parker and Antonio Galloni have heaped on the praise, and since then this super-cuvée has hit new heights.

Crafted by 2020 Vinous Winemaker of the Year Tony Biagi, the 2019 Hourglass HGIII Proprietary Blend Napa Valley shows why the winery hired the uber-talented Biagi away from PlumpJack and CADE, where he racked up an astonishing run of 99- and 98-point scores. Opaque, supple, and showing off an absolutely superb vintage, it offers a glimpse of Hourglass’ greatness—majesty that normally costs between $75 and $200 per bottle. 

Biagi set about creating HGIII from a handful of select barrels that were destined for Hourglass’ Blueline Estate reds. The 2019 release was culled from brilliant sites around Napa, courtesy of Biagi’s deep connections, and he crafted the biggest, boldest, most opulent expression of this wine yet. “This is the golden era in Napa,” he told us with a telling wink.

But Biagi’s deft touch is only half of what makes the 2019 HGIII outstanding. The other half comes from the vines: The Cabernet hails from the Blueline Vineyard, named for the two “blue line” streams that run along its edges. It lies within a stone’s throw of both Switchback Ridge and Three Palms—two sources of California’s most famous Merlots since the 1980s. Biagi’s lush HGIII Red is another classic, with the Cab and Merlot amplified by a touch of Petite Sirah from select Napa parcels to add depth and richness. The result is pure, gorgeous harmony.

This is the Napa red blend you’ll want for the table this summer, and in the cellar for the future!