2023 Hirsch Chardonnay
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
In 2022, Hirsch started bottling its estate Chardonnay at 11 months. Consulting winemaker Michael Cruse, “suggested we stop over-vintaging it,” Jasmine Hirsch explains. “I think it helped bring down the lees expression to show the terroir and natural texture this wine has,” noting that the vines, planted in 1994, are now 30 years old. The 2023 Chardonnay Estate underwent full malolactic conversion and was matured in around 30% new oak. It is pure and expressive with aromas of peach, apricot, green guava, citrus blossoms and brioche. The medium-bodied palate pairs bright, refreshing acidity with ripe fruit and a mouth-coating texture, and it has a long, flavorful finish. 920 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A bright straw/yellow hue, the 2023 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is zesty and fresh with notes of dewy wet stones, lemon verbena, pear, and honeycomb. Medium to full-bodied, it has a fantastic electric energy, with mouthwatering salinity, pure, ripe density, and a driving spine of acidity. It reveals subtle hints of butterscotch on the back palate as it opens, while brilliant notes of green apple last on the long finish. A lovely Chardonnay all around, it should continue to drink well over the coming 10-12 years. They used to over-vintage this wine, but in this vintage, Michael Cruse, who makes this wine now, took it off the lees instead of keeping it in the tank on the lees an additional year, and it went into the bottle after 11 months. As a result, it has a more pristine feel and is the best Chardonnay I’ve tasted from Hirsch to date. Drink 2025-2037. The current releases from Jasmine Hirsch include a first look at her 2023s, as well as the release of the 2022 single vineyard wines, which she holds back an additional year. While 2022 falls broadly into the category of a warm vintage for Sonoma, she notes that despite this being categorized as a vintage noted for its heat, they did not experience any notable heat until September. It never got above 92 degrees at Hirsch in August, and they had picked 70% of the fruit by Labor Day. (The peak was 108 degrees over Labor Day weekend.) For her, the yields were the defining factor in the concentration and density of the 2022 vintage.ell over the coming 10-12 years. They used to over-vintage this wine, but in this vintage, Michael Cruse, who makes this wine now, took it off the lees instead of keeping it in the tank on the lees an additional year, and it went into the bottle after 11 months. As a result, it has a more pristine feel and is the best Chardonnay I’ve tasted from Hirsch to date. Drink 2025-2037.
The lime, sliced green apple and honey aromas dominate. Full-bodied and broad shouldered, with flavors of honeysuckle, lemon rind and hints of other white flowers. There’s density and lightness to this. Drink or hold.