2012 Hirsch 'San Andreas Fault' Estate Pinot Noir

Lying adjacent to the San Andreas Fault on the extreme western Sonoma Coast, Hirsch Vineyards is a single vineyard of 68 acres, divided into 61 individual farming blocks. The resulting degree of fragmentation is unmatched even by the famously subdivided vineyards of the Côte de Nuits. Due to the site’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the San Andreas Fault, the vineyard has a fearsome diversity of soils, topography and microclimates. This complexity defines our farming and winemaking practices: each block was individually developed and is now farmed, harvested and vinified separately.

The San Andreas Fault is Hirsch Vineyards’ signature Pinot Noir and is crafted to represent the entirety of this multifaceted vineyard. The 2012 San Andreas Fault has fruit from 19 distinct farming blocks, more than any other wine made from the Hirsch Vineyard. It is the flagship wine from Hirsch, and the wine that represents the summation of our complex vineyard.

The San Andreas Fault is produced 100% from the Hirsch Vineyard. It is aged for 17 months in French oak, with 35% new barrels.

TASTING NOTES (updated 2024): The 2012 San Andreas Fault Estate Pinot Noir was one of the most structured and savory vintages we have ever produced of this wine, and its aging potential was clear from the start. Now with 12 years of age, secondary notes of black licorice, leather and wet stone have emerged. The fruit is still fresh and firm on the palate, yet the tannins have softened and lengthened. This wine is in a beautiful place and can be enjoyed now without decanting.