2011 Hirsch Chardonnay
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Hirsch's 2011 Chardonnay Estate wraps around the palate with gorgeous depth and richness. Lemon oil, nectarines and white flowers all flesh out in the glass. This is a surprisingly rich, viscous style for the Sonoma Coast and the year. Chardonnay was planted here in 1994 and then in 2002, using old Wente clones that give the wine much of its volume and flavor profile. The 2011 spent 11 months in oak and 5 months in steel prior to being bottled.
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Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
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Hirsch perhaps more well known for Pinot Noir. Far Sonoma coast, about 1 m from the ocean at 1,500 ft, north of the Russian River. Two vineyards on steep slopes planted 1994 and 2002. Also Roulot approach to ageing: fermented in French oak, 20% new. 5 months in steel. 2nd vintage of changed winemaking style. More classic and no more glass demijohns. Dusty mineral nose. Great drive and richer than the Ceritas but has lovely line and completeness. Broader than the Sandhi. Some smokiness. Perhaps a little less focus but still fine balance and length. (JH)
Hirsch's 2011 Chardonnay Estate is bright, focused and beautifully articulated. Lemon, pastry, crushed rocks and wild flowers all come to life in the glass. The 2011 is all about energy, purity and finesse. A long, persistent finish laced with bright citrus notes leaves a lasting impression. The 2011 is totally different in style from the 2010. Both wines are gorgeous.
Hirsch’s 2011 Chardonnay Estate is bright, focused and beautifully articulated. Lemon, pastry, crushed rocks and wild flowers all come to life in the glass. The 2011 is all about energy, purity and finesse. A long, persistent finish laced with bright citrus notes leaves a lasting impression. The 2011 is totally different in style from the 2010. Both wines are gorgeous. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. 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