Decanter Magazine Review
Rated 96
Two plates created the California coastal mountains and the Central Valley, a former inland sea. The fault line is a mere kilometre from Hirsch Vineyards. San Andreas is the only wine Hirsch made for the first few years; this has fruit from 30 of the 60 parcels; it's the flagship and the largest production of Hirsch bottling - loads of savoury spice aromas with wild herbs, white pepper, mint and green strawberries. The palate shows tension and tautness. Bright red berries and citrus peel meld with dark red plums, smoky cinnamon and a touch of an evergreen bough, brightening the fruity complexity. Drinking Window 2024-2040.
- James Suckling 96 Points
- Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
- VinoUS Media 94 Points
- Wine Advocate 93 Points
Hirsch Vineyards San Andreas Fault Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021
Tasting Notes:
- Aroma: Fresh red cherries with hints of ripe peach, earth, wet stone, anise, and mint. With air, crushed fresh strawberries emerge, along with hints of orange oil and dried straw.
- Palate: Juicy and concentrated with notes of dried goji berry, dark plum skin, and a hint of baking chocolate.
- Finish: Long and persistent, with tannins that will need a few years to resolve but ample fruit to age.
Winery Information: Hirsch Vineyards, located on the True Sonoma Coast, is known for its complex and diverse vineyard. The vineyard is divided into 67 individual farming blocks, each with unique soil and aspect variations influenced by the nearby San Andreas Fault. This fragmentation allows for meticulous farming and winemaking practices, with each block being farmed, harvested, and vinified separately.
Additional Information:
- Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 13.5%
This wine is crafted to represent the entirety of Hirsch's multifaceted vineyard, making it their flagship Pinot Noir.
