2009 Hirsch Pinot Noir Estate Reserve

Bright ruby. Deeply pitched aromas of cherry-cola, black raspberry and sassafras, with a sexy floral nuance building in the glass. Spicy, penetrating dark berry flavors are deepened by notes of licorice and mocha and show a smooth, silky texture. Closes supple and long, with impressive breadth and lingering allspice and rose notes. (JR)

The 2009 Pinot Noir Reserve Estate is quite a bit richer and deeper than the 2010, but it is nevertheless very much a cool-climate wine. Juicy, radiant and intensely perfumed, the 2009 wraps around the palate with gorgeous density underpinned by a lovely sense of structure. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. David Hirsch provided what is, in my opinion, one of the key insights into the 2011 vintage on the Sonoma Coast. Hirsch commented that 2010 and 2011 were both similar. In 2010, he noted the skies were cloudy for much of the year, while rain just before harvest complicated things. Hirsch describes 2011 as a year with very clear skies, a lot of light and cool temperatures that never exceeded 90 degrees. As for the wines, well, they are gorgeous. I have not tasted all of the 2011 Pinots, but based on the Bohan Dillon, I will not be surprised if they turn out slightly better than the 2010s, which are a bit on the slender side. Still, there can be no question this is one of the premier sites for Pinot in the United States. Ross Cobb blended and bottled the 2009s, while 2010 is the first vintage Cobb made from beginning to end. Tel. (707) 847-3600