MAGNUM - 2015 Hirsch 'East Ridge' Estate Pinot Noir

The East Ridge is one of the oldest and most unique sections of the Hirsch Vineyard.

David Hirsch began planting the East Ridge in 1990. It is a topographically distinct micro-site within the Hirsch Vineyard, sloping steeply into an eastern canyon. Fog gathers in the canyon at night, and during the day the cool ocean breezes circulate amongst the vines. However it is often the first place the fog burns off in the morning, making it a relatively warmer site compared with the rest of Hirsch. 

Two thirds of the vines on the East Ridge are stricken with phylloxera, a disease that attacks the roots and inhibits the vine’s uptake of nutrients. This results in some of the lowest yields at Hirsch, and requires extremely intensive and meticulous, vine-by-vine farming.

The low yields contribute to the notable concentration of fruit in the East Ridge Pinot Noir. However the phylloxera also devigorates the vines, inhibiting photosynthesis and slowing down sugar accumulation. This combination of low vigor and low yields results in a wine of concentration paired with remarkable elegance and naturally low alcohol. It is a masculine and powerful expression of the Hirsch Vineyard, with fantastic structure, concentration and energy.

The 2015 Hirsch East Ridge Estate Pinot Noir is a selection of the very best barrels from the finest and most expressive blocks on the East Ridge.

Vine age breakdown:
38% - planted 1990-91
62% - planted 2003
 
Production:
353cs of 750s
40cs of magnums