Hirsch Vineyards

Pinot Noir 'West Ridge'

Pinot Noir 'West Ridge'

Pinot Noir West Ridge Hirsch Vineyards

Lying adjacent to the San Andreas Fault on the extreme western Sonoma Coast, Hirsch Vineyards is comprised of 72 acres, divided into 67 individual farming blocks.This degree of fragmentation is unmatched even by the famously subdivided vineyards of Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits. Due to the site’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the San Andreas Fault, the vineyard has a fearsome diversity of soils, aspects, elevations and microclimates. This complexity defines our farming and winemaking practices: each block was individually developed and is now farmed, harvested and vinified separately.

The West Ridge is a series of hilltop vineyard blocks, spread along the main ridge of Hirsch like vertebrae along a spine. Altogether the West Ridge covers 26 acres, divided into 24 farming blocks. The West Ridge Pinot Noir is a selection of the most exceptional barrels from six of the finest and oldest blocks on West Ridge. These are planted to the heritage pinot noir selections of Swan, Mount Eden and Pommard-Wädenswil. The West Ridge is produced 100% from the single vineyard of Hirsch.

  • Practicing Biodynamic
  • 100% Pinot Noir
  • Hirsch Vineyards (Fort Ross-Seaview AVA)
  • Sourced from the West Ridge of the estate
  • Predominantly comprised of heavy, black clay soils that are highly compacted, acting more like bedrock than clay
  • Planted in 1992-95 (65%), 2002 (35%)
  • Block 6 (20%), Block 7 (45%), and Block 12 (35%)
  • Clones: Mount Eden (45%), Swan (40%), and Pommard-Wädenswil (15%)
  • 540 cases produced
  • Aged in 34% new French oak
  • 12.9% abv

Info

Producer:
Hirsch Vineyards
Vintage:
2021
Country:
United States
Region:
California
Appellation:
West Sonoma Coast
Variety:
Pinot Noir
Color:
Red
Farming Practice:
Practicing Biodynamic

Sizes Available

Full Bottle US-HIR-51-21 12/750ml

Resources

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Press & Reviews

Decanter
Score
95
Date
2024-04-22
"2007 was a remarkable year for Hirsch, vines were getting older and David Hirsch decided to bottle single blocks on their own. Planted with the cuttings from Mount Eden, a massale selection approach, with ow vigor vines on heavy clay soil. The density of the soil has the clay acting more like bedrock, varying levels of intensity, its farmed vine by vine. Purple floral aromatics, are followed by mint and a hint of wild green strawberries. The palate displays delicate, blue and red fruits lifted by spice and florals. The elegant texture is marked by turned earth, and well-knit minerality that is the hallmark of the finish, an almost tingly stone note."
Jancis Robinson
Score
17
Date
2024-06-13
"Complex nose with fruit and herbs and a real beginning, middle and end. Grip – a serious wine."
Jeb Dunnuck
Score
96
Date
2024-06-28
"The 2021 Pinot Noir West Ridge is the oldest of the reserve-level wines, where the vines are 30+ years old and more influenced by the ocean. It's more reserved initially on the nose, but as it opens, it reveals notes of framboise, sweet forest earth, cocoa, and violets. Medium-bodied and silky in texture, with fine tannins, even-keeled balance, and noble structure on the long finish, it's refined and more high-toned, with a weightless feel and notes of fresh cranberry. With great length, fine tannins, and lifted fresh acidity, it's a wonderful vintage for this wine, which also captures the concentration of the fruit without ever losing its graceful and lifted energy. Drink 2025-2040."
Vinous
Score
96
Date
2024-01-16
"The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate West Ridge is magnificent. Soaring aromatics make a strong opening statement. Wild dark cherry, lavender, mint, spice and orange peel lend nuance. This translucent, wonderfully detailed Pinot has so much to offer. Time in the glass brings out layers of savory and mineral complexity. Like all the 2021s here, the West Ridge possesses mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse."
Wine Advocate
Score
95
Date
2024-02-22
"The 2021 Pinot Noir West Ridge is especially spicy and savory this vintage. The nose unfolds from wild berries, salami and dried mint to expressive nuances of chaparral and licorice. The medium-bodied palate has a generous core of botanical-laced fruit. It has pleasantly chalky tannins, mouthwatering acidity and a long, spicy finish. It will benefit from 2-3+ years in bottle."