2011 Hirsch Pinot Noir West Ridge

(made with 10% whole clusters and 25% new oak): Vibrant red. A pungent, spice- and mineral-accented bouquet evokes tangy red fruits, cherry pit, white pepper and anise. Offers nervy redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors and a touch of blood orange, with a floral pastille note adding sweetness. The floral quality carried through the finish, which is firmed by dusty, fine-grained tannins. This vibrant pinot checks in at 12.8% alcohol, the lowest for this set of releases by a good stretch; the other two were bottled at 13.4%.

Author: Stephen Tanzer

Issue: May/June 2014