2010 Pinot Noir
Hirsch Vineyard, Sonoma Coast

The Hirsch Vineyard is widely recognized as one of the premier vineyards for Pinot grapes in the Americas.

Its location on a rugged ridge close to the Pacific Ocean at an elevation of 1500 feet, gives the grapes an exposure to an extreme swing of climates annually - from 80 inches of rain in the winter months to desert like dryness in the summer. The high elevation vineyard sees approximately 14 hours of sun versus 10 hours at below the fogline, thus allowing long hours of unmitigated sunlight late in the season when tannins are evolving.

This Pinot Noir breaths quality and value - the wine is rich in flavor, full in texture, and offers a lovely underlying minerality and excellent natural acidity. A very well balanced gem. The flavors of black cherries, black raspberries, and freshly grated nutmeg jump out of the glass. Layer by layer this wine shows finesse and power.

94 Points Wine Enthusiast
"Shows the power and finesse of this great vineyard. The cherry, persimmon, cola and baking spice flavors have the exotically feral notes of chamomile, game and mushrooms so typical of this vineyard and the Fort Ross area. So beautiful and deft now, it's hard not to pop the cork, but this Pinot will age well for at least 10 years."

— (10/1/2013) — Cellar Selection: Online Exclusive