Vintage Overview

We acquired the Blueline Estate in the Spring of 2006 and shortly thereafter went about the business of farming and learning the site. Our interest in the property stemmed from the two majestic streams that run through the property—Blueline streams known for their migratory Steelhead Trout runs as noted by the Department of Fish and Game. These gravel riverbed soils would prove to be the backbone of the vineyard and, in 2006, were a boon to our winemaking team. 

With no experience farming the property, this inaugural vintage is more a testimony to the site than a credit to our farming and winemaking. The 2006 vintage was warmer and longer than the preceding year. With ample groundwater stored after a very wet ‘05 / ‘06 winter, the soils need few water additions throughout the growing season as the vineyard found a balanced percolation on its own. This balance was really achieved without our understanding or intervention. We later learned that deficit irrigation, as we tend to employ at Hourglass, is not appropriate at Blueline due to the extreme drainage of the riverbed gravels. The increased soil moisture of 2006 served to balance our approach as we ultimately came to understand the singular qualities of this new vineyard. Had we not had the groundwater available when we employed deficit irrigation, the vintage would have been a different story. Instead the ‘06 vintage resulted in an amazing start to our new estate project. 

Tasting Profile

Upon release, the 2006 Hourglass Blueline Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was rich and deeply concentrated with generous black fruits and doughy dark cherry pie. Toasted espresso bean combined with a crushed stone mineral component to yield explosive aromatics. The palate was dense with flavors of cassis, dark fruits, and black cherry. After nine years, it has developed hints of saddle leather with sweet tobacco, crushed dried rose petal, and red vine licorice with dried herbs. A soft attack leads to smooth tannins, delivering a rounded mouth-feel and lingering finish. There is a little heat on the finish but good phenolic depth keeps it in check.

Cellaring Potential

This wines was very sexy upon release and earlier tastings indicate that the ‘06 (true of all our ‘06s) is in a transition phase. Our recommendation is to hold for two years to allow its full transition to an aged wine when more of the leather components and red fruits lend greater intrigue. 

~ Jeff Smith, January 2016

Other Vintages

2016 Blueline Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2015 Blueline Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2014 Blueline Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2013 Blueline Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2012 Blueline Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 Blueline Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2010 Blueline Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2009 Blueline Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Blueline Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2007 Blueline Estate Cabernet Sauvignon