2015 West Ridge Estate Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
75% of the crop was lost because of drought and shatter at bloom so yields are ‘really low’ and wines very concentrated. Smells almost like an essence of Pinot. You’d never guess it was so low in alcohol. The vines shut down apparently so ripening ceased for a while. It’s a bit austere and lacks a bit of juice. An exceptional vintage – a bit like 2003 bordeaux? The finish is very slightly sour but it certainly doesn’t lack character. (JR)
Critic scores
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Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Bewitching, gorgeous red fruit. This is California Pinot Noir at its complex best, with iodine, herbs, red cherry, olive and herby stemmy notes – a treasure. Light body, delicate structure. Spot on. (RH)
The 2015 Pinot Noir West Ridge is deep, pliant and super-expressive, within the Hirsch style, of course. There is lovely texture and resonance to the red cherry, plum and blood orange fruit. Crushed rose petal, chalk, mint and orange zest flesh out in this delicate, understated, super-classy Pinot. Time in the glass brings out the wine's floral, savory and mineral side, hinting at the evolution that will come with time in bottle. The West Ridge is subtle and exquisitely beautiful. Give it a few years in the cellar to be at its best.