2007 Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The outstanding 2007 Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard exhibits copious aromas of bouquet garni, smoke, meat, earth and black cherries in its medium to full-bodied, attractive, fresh, lively personality. It should drink nicely for 7-8 years. Winemaker/proprietor Ted Lemon has one of the most impressive resumes in California having produced Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs in that state as well as previously working in Burgundy. His wines consistently represent the best of California’s ripeness combined with Burgundy’s finesse and elegance. His Chardonnay vineyards are all planted in cool micro-climates and his wines are all beautifully made, crisp, elegant, flavorful whites. Moreover, in 2008, Lemon had serious frost issues with nearly one-third of his crop wiped out at Thieriot. Even more extensive damage occurred at the Haven Vineyard. The cool 2009 growing season certainly favored all the Burgundian varietals which was evidenced by what Ted Lemon has achieved with his stylish, elegant 2009 Pinot Noirs. Tel. (707) 823-9586; Fax (707) 823-9589
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Medium red. Strawberry, flowers, fresh herbs, black tea and spices on the nose. Juicy, bright and gripping, with lovely acidity framing the strawberry, orange peel, licorice and spice flavors. Finishes with sweet tannins and very good length. Winemaker/owner Ted Lemon noted that cool weather in May and June of '07 resulted in an extended and uneven flowering but that the season from that point was "close to ideal, with little stress on the vines." Some brilliant sunshine at the end of August was great for early-picked vines (as a general rule, Lemon prefers to pick early, especially with chardonnay), but then "everything stopped" during the middle two weeks of September due to cooler conditions, and there was "a very long pause" at Littorai. Ultimately, says Lemon, the 2007s have acidity levels similar to those of the 2006s but with lower pHs.
About the producer
Littorai stands as one of California’s most quietly influential estates, defined by organic and biodynamic farming, site transparency, and a restrained, Burgundian sensibility.