TN: 2011 Hirsch Vineyards Pinot Noir San Andreas Fault

WINE TALK
1

I’ve found 2011 to be hit or miss with CA pinot noir. Nice flavors, but iffy on the phenolic ripeness. This one’s killing it.

  • 2011 Hirsch Vineyards Pinot Noir San Andreas Fault - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (9/16/2018)
    Clear, full-garnet color. Aromas of pomegranate, sandalwood oil, violets, allspice berries and damp earth. Crisp pomegranate and black raspberry fruit on the palate, framed with secondary spices (both sweet & savory), floral high tones, tea leaf and sandalwood. Medium-bodied, with rich density to the mid-palate. Ample acid, well-integrated. Fleshy medium-grained tannins. Solid length on the finish. In a great place, but no hurry. Excellent overall, especially considering a difficult vintage. (92 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

2

This was probably my single favourite 2011 California Pinot Noir. I’ve found it to drink much better than their wines produced in (supposedly) better more recent vintages…Geographically (and climatically), they are quite unique as compared to other “Sonoma Coast” produces, so it is probably more difficult to make assumptions about Hirsch in a given vintage based on perceptions of other Sonoma producers.

3

This is what I think about the 2011’s from Flowers, they did better in 2011 than in some ‘better’ years.

4

CJ, I visited Flowers on the coast back in 2014, and picked up the single vineyard 2011’s and opened them a year or two later (probably too early). You’re right, they were superb. They were definitely up there with this Hirsch from last night.