Pinot Noir 'Reserve'

Score

98

"#30 Top 100 Wines of 2023: Aromas of grilled seaweed, oyster shell and iodine with ripe strawberry and citrus rind. Full-bodied with lots of juicy fruit and structure. Fine tannins that are toned and focused. Excellent length. Holding back still. Try after 2026."

Score

98

"The 2021 Pinot Noir Reserve Estate comes from top selections from across the estate vineyards. In the glass, it amplifies things further, pouring a rich red color and offering lovely depth on the nose, with notes of kirsch, resinous mossy earth, raspberry coulis, candied roses, and dark stones. Leaning toward full-bodied but not heavy, it's persistent all the way through, with extended length, ripe tannins, and a clean, earthy finish with notes of black tea. This exceptional wine takes all its components and amplifies them without ever feeling weighted. Drink 2026-2046."

Score

97

"The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Reserve is a powerful, dense and tannic wine. In many ways, the Reserve is done more in the older Hirsch style, in which the tannins are quite imposing. Dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, dried herbs, spice, menthol and dried herbs fill out the layers. The Reserve is quite potent, but it does not have the textural finesse of the very finest wines in this range—although that is a pretty small quibble at this very high level."

Score

96

"Hirsch Vineyards is located on the extreme Sonoma Coast in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. The dramatic topography and distinct soils in this region lead to some of the most expressive and well-balanced examples of Pinot Noir coming out of California. We're continuously impressed by this producer, and the 2021 Reserve bottling is no exception. The nose is brimming with complex notes of thyme, tarragon, white pepper, and vanilla. The palate has dazzling acidity, deep red fruit, and grippy tannins that suggest this bottle is in it for the long haul. Enjoy this wine over a nice dinner or cellar it for a few years to see how it evolves."

Score

96

"The 2021 Pinot Noir Reserve has layered aromas of cranberry sauce, blueberries, lavender, mint, woodsmoke and meaty undertones. The medium-bodied palate is seamless and expressive. It has an ultra silky texture, vibrant acidity, highly concentrated, complex flavors and a long, spicy finish. It's gorgeous now yet offers the stuffing and structure to age gracefully in the cellar."

Score

94

"A selection of fruit from across the properties, the best Hirsch wines go into the reserve. Barrel selection that tells the story of our vines; for 2021, it was block 8, Raschen Ridge 15, 17, West Ridge, 7 and 12, East Ridge 4,5, 23 and 25 and Maritime 16 and the original Old Vineyard 1, 2, and 3 with luscious darker fruits, marked by cherry flesh, and juicy tayberries and a smoked sea salt savoury character announcing the aromas. The palate shows ripe red cherry flesh and perfectly picked raspberry; all brightened by mountain scrub, sappy pine tar and black tea."