2010 Failla Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard

One of the best wines in this range, the 2010 Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard is fabulous. Today, the 2010 is showing just the barest hint of its ultimate potential. Behind the tannins and acidity lies a serious core of fruit just waiting to emerge. The 2010 Hirsch is distinguished for its deep layers of fruit and fabulous purity. Readers will have to be patient, though, as the 2010 is currently very closed in on itself. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. Ehren Jordan is one of those people who are maddeningly talented at many things. Jordan recently left his post at Turley, where he spent nearly 20 years making a dizzying array of superb Zinfandels. At Failla, which Jordan owns with his wife Anne-Marie, the focus is on cool-climate Chardonnays and Pinots, rendered in a range that approximates Turley when it comes to the number of different bottlings. Did I mention Jordan is versed in the classics and is also a licensed pilot? Jordan wants to spend more time at Failla, and I believe it, given the breadth of this range. Frankly, I can’t imagine how Ehren took care of similarly large portfolios at both Turley and Failla while maintaining a sense of sanity. It will be interesting to see how things develop at Failla. The wines are already stellar, as I hope these notes amply demonstrate. Simply put, Failla is a reference point winery for the Sonoma Coast. This is as good as it gets. Tel. (707) 963-0530

(Mount Eden and Pommard clones): Sexy, perfumed aromas of plum, cherry and spices. Silky on the palate but juicy rather than weighty, with lovely white pepper and spice high notes lifting the red fruit flavors. Very pure and light on its feet. Finishes broad and long, with suave tannins. A very refined California pinot from a superb site. This is 13.9% alcohol.