2019 Hourglass Blueline Estate Napa Valley Merlot

WA93-95 The 2019 Merlot Blueline Estate is a blend of 82% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it storms out of the glass with exuberant scents of baked blackberries, crushed blueberries and plum preserves, plus hints of mocha, lavender and star anise with a waft of truffles. Full-bodied, rich and seductive on the palate, it has a plush texture and seamless acidity, finishing on a lingering licorice note.
JD94 The 2019 Blueline Merlot checks in as 82% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Aged 18 months in French oak, it’s a ripe, sexy, beautifully textured Merlot revealing plenty of red and blue fruits as well as notes of tobacco and sappy flowers. It’s ripe but also balanced, and it’s already drinking brilliantly.