Hourglass Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2024
(Napa & Sonoma County, California) - [JD 94] [JS 94] [VM 90]

About the Winery:
Hourglass is a family-owned boutique estate in Napa Valley founded by Jeff Smith on property purchased by Jeff’s father in 1976. Their first vintage was 1997 with Bob Foley, a family friend and maker of Pride Mountain, Switchback Ridge, and Paloma, serving as winemaker. Foley was followed by Tony Biagi, of PlumpJack and Cade fame.

Hourglass vineyard lies in the St. Helena AVA, rising from the valley floor to a 70-foot knoll top. There is a unique microclimate here, characterized by cooling breezes, which increase diurnal temperature swings, due to the hourglass-like shape of the valley with the vineyard located at the precise point where the hourglass comes to a pinch and hence its name.

In 2006, Jeff purchased a second, twenty-acre vineyard located near Duckhorn’s Three Palms Vineyard in Calistoga. He called this parcel Blueline Vineyard in reference to two “blue-line” streams that border the property—what remains of a much larger riverbed where the vineyard is now. 

About this Wine:
Sourced from seven vineyard sites up and down Napa Valley and Sonoma, providing a mosaic of different clonal, varietal and terroir characteristics to yield a wine of great complexity. It makes use of three fermentation methods: stainless steel (70%), sesoned French oak (20%) and new French oak (10%) to provide additional dimension and personality.

Notes from the Winemaker:
Both vibrant and texturally complex, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc opens with bright aromas of lemon, orange blossom, lime leaf, and pomelo, layered with hints of lemongrass, fresh-cut hay, and honeyed graham cracker. The palate unfolds with lively flavors of grapefruit and mango, balanced by the warmth of Biscoff cookies, cardamom, and almond paste. A distinctive wet stone minerality provides depth and elegance, while a careful balance of steel and oak aging enhances the wine’s structure. Lees stirring contributes to a round, mid-palate richness, complementing the wine’s natural acidity for a refreshing yet layered finish.

Ratings and Reviews

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Based on 86% Sauvignon Blanc/Musque and 14% Semillon from Napa and Sonoma County fruit and aged six months with 30% in oak barrels, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc offers classic, fresh lime, ripe citrus, mint, and stony minerality aromatics. It's medium-bodied, has a bright, fresh, focused, pure mouthfeel, beautiful balance, and outstanding length. There are roughly 2,600 cases produced. Drink 2025-2035." (Dec 2025)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"This is a divine and mineral-driven white with aromas of sliced lemons, white pepper, lime leaves and jalapenos. The palate is taut and focused, with a generous underlying texture and bright acidity. A well-balanced wine that’s 86% sauvignon blanc and 14% semillon. Drink or hold." (Apr 2026)

90 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is an airy, gracious, aperitif-style white drink now and over the next few years. Citrus peel, sage, tomato leaf and mint are all finely sculpted. (Drink between 2025-2029)" - Antonio Galloni (Nov 2025)