2017 Hirsch Pinot Noir Block 8
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Tasting notes
Lots of savory redcurrants, dried strawberries, violets, black tea, and flowery incense notes emerge from the 2017 Pinot Noir Block 8. This quintessentially Burgundian Hirsch Pinot Noir is medium-bodied and has a vibrant, silky texture, the firmer (yet ripe) tannins of the vintage, terrific balance, and a great finish. A sun-kissed beauty with loads of character, it’s going to drink brilliantly for 15+ years or more. This was a difficult vintage for Sonoma, but this ranks with the top releases.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Pinot Noir Estate Block 8 shows the natural depth of Hirsch, but that quality - such a signature here - is just not fully expressed. The 2017 has quite a bit of attack, but only modest fruit depth and complexity to back it up. The 2017 tastes like a wine that is not fully formed.
The 2017 Pinot Noir Block 8 has a pale to medium ruby color and open nose with scents of crunchy cranberry fruit, fresh strawberry and raspberry with accents of garrigue, lavender, pink peppercorn, rose petal, perfumed earth and meaty touches. Light to medium-bodied and silky textured, the palate is delicately intense with mineral-tinged fruits, fine-grained tannins and great freshness, finishing long and layered. 622 cases produced.
The iron-rich soils of this single parcel deliver a strikingly spicy and seductively complex nose with a wealth of ripe red cherries and wildflowers in play. So much going on here. Fleshy and attractively juicy cherries on the palate. Very polished, long and defined tannins really impress. Drink or hold.