Description
RED CELLAR TRIO WINE CLUB SELECTION
Jeff Smith founded Hourglass in 1997 from his family’s 4-acre parcel located just north of St. Helena, where Napa Valley forms its narrowest point, the “pinch” of the Hourglass. The storied Cabernet Sauvignon produced from this vineyard would begin the vision that continues to unfold today. The magic of this vineyard property would soon prove itself, as it debuted in a blind tasting alongside the recognized California Cabernet giants of the day and held its own in that rare company. Today, under the guiding hand of winemaker Tony Biagi, Hourglass continues to refine its approach and bring its estate wines to new heights of craft and expression. Hourglass strives to farm their vineyards mindfully, and produce terroir-driven wines of the highest character.
Mabon is Jeff’s passion project—a way for him to honor his family's legacy while embracing the unique character of Sonoma Valley. The soul of Mabon lies in the historic Rossi Ranch, in Sonoma Valley, a unique vineyard originally planted in 1910 and grafted to the original rootstock in 2007. This extraordinary site is a unique field blend of Zinfandel, Carignan, Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Cinsault—a testament to an earlier era of California viticulture. The 2021 Mabon Heritage Blend was processed using traditional red wine vinification techniques, and was aged for 16 months in new (50%) and seasoned (50%) French oak barrels, resulting in a wine that captures the complexity and intensity of old vines while expressing a remarkable freshness and purity of fruit.
Aromas of dark brambly berries with layered with spices. The palate is richly fruited with layers of spiced blackberry, dark plum and cassis, followed by notes of freshly cracked black pepper; the velvety tannins are gracefully supported through the luxuriant finish.
