Hirsch’s Vineyards along California’s Sonoma Coast
As a cat lover, I'm inclined to buy every vintage of Jasmine Hirsch's Bohan Dillon Pinot Noir simply because of the label. But as a wine lover, especially the Pinot Noirs of Burgundy, I'm never disappointed by the elegance and grace that I taste in each subsequent release. The 2019 vintage offers more of that magic, those subtle nuances and bright, red-fruited flavors that make Pinot Noir so special when done right.
What in particular makes the 2019 Bohan-Dillon so special?
Let's start with the fact that 50% of the fruit comes from Hirsch's 30 year old vines, and the remainder from its 20 year old vines. The only real difference between the Bohan Dillon and the Hirsch Pinot Noir's that sell for double and triple the price is a shorter time in barrel (and a bit of fruit from a neighboring vineyard). If anything, it's a purer expression of David Hirsch's original vision, to create site-specific Pinot Noir on a majestic ridge near the Pacific Ocean in Sonoma. I'm in love with it, our sales staff is in love with it, it's just simply a fantastic expression of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, year in and year out. Plus, it has a black cat on the label, so that's an extra bonus.
At 13.1%, the weight of the wine never encroaches on the purity; you get red berries, forest floor, a bit of exotic spice, and brilliant acidity. If you need any more evidence as to what an amazing person Jasmine Hirsch is, you can check out our interview with her on Instagram. And you can obviously reference the new score from James Suckling as further evidence as to her amazing wine.
2019 Hirsch Bohan-Dillon Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $39.99
94 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - Aromas of ripe strawberries with some pine needles and dried seaweed follow through to a medium body with fine, linear tannins that are racy and class. Subtle finish. Give it time to soften, but already so pretty.
-David Driscoll