Since 2005, we’ve noticed the Hourglass Vineyard achieve an optimal balancing point. The canopies evened out and the fruit matured in unison throughout the three different blocks. This was a 12 year evolution of roots burrowing through fractured bedrock – the intense rock slowing the process and making the vines struggle for water and resources in the earlier years. Since ‘05 Hourglass has achieved remarkable consistency, and the 2008 vintage is no exception. Earth, black licorice, pomegranate, cassis and mint weave with toasted espresso and caramelized brown sugar to elicit a dark haunting aromatic. (Decanting for several hours can dramatically open up the aromatics and provide deeper layers of concentration on the palate.) Brooding and dark in aroma, the wine comes alive on the palate. Bright, natural acidity (a hallmark of Hourglass) provides structure and lift to the darker cassis and deep, black fruit flavors. Seamless integration from start to finish is a function of polished ripe tannin, which delivers a silky texture and lingering finish. This wine’s balance and nuanced subtleties lead us to think it will age with the grace of vintages like 2001 and 2005.