2011 Hirsch Pinot Noir East Ridge
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Tasting notes
Brilliant ruby-red. Black raspberry, cherry-cola, licorice and rose oil aromas, along with smoky mineral and Indian spice qualities. Sappy red and dark berry and floral pastille flavors stain the palate and show very good depth and energy. Puts on weight with air while maintaining vivacity and focus. Clings with excellent tenacity, repeating spiciness and youthfully firm tannins. Showing the most power and structure of this set of pinots and also the most complexity. 20% whole clusters and 35% new oak were used here.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Pale purplish crimson. Notably savoury rather than sweet on the nose with real delicacy. Very fine grained. Super juicy and appetising. Such lift! Great finesse and, like the 2011 Chardonnay, with lots of reserve. Tingle on the long, but not showy, finish. The Lafarge of California? (JR)
Dark cherries, plums, leather, licorice and smoke all flesh out in the 2011 Pinot Noir East Ridge. The tannins are a bit firm, but they are also impeccably balanced. Deceptively medium in body, the 2011 possesses gorgeous density and mid-palate pliancy. Cloves, new leather, tobacco and mint are all layered into the supple, deeply expressive finish.