2022 Hirsch 'Block 8' Estate Pinot Noir

The 2022 Hirsch Block 8 Estate Pinot Noir is made entirely from a single block, a section of our vineyard that David Hirsch has long considered his grand cru parcel. 

Block 8 is the only location at Hirsch where we have the Boomer-Mendocino soil formation. Characterized by a reddish tint from high amounts of iron oxide, the rock and gravel content in the soil averages 40-70% throughout. This results in superb drainage, allowing the roots to run deep and pervasive. The vineyard is divided into 5 sub-parcels, determined based on rock content, all planted in 1993. The cuttings came from our oldest vines (The Old Vineyard) and are a field blend of the heritage pinot noir clones of Pommard and Wädenswil.

This extraordinary vineyard produces distinctive wines with supple, elegant tannins, expressive fruit, balanced acidity and complex aromatics. In this wine you will find a pure and focused expression of one of the most unique sections of the Hirsch Vineyard.

TASTING NOTES: The 2022 Block 8 is a rich, sapid wine with dense fruit, a dynamic mouthfeel and sparkling acidity. The nose is overflowing with raspberry, strawberry and loganberry, with notes of sassafras, mint and a hint of forest floor. The attack is full of plummy fruit balanced by lively acidity and authoritative yet elegant tannins.

SERVICE NOTES: The extremely low yields in 2022 have resulted in a compact fruit expression that will take time to unwind. While expressive and drinkable now, we recommend cellaring this wine for a few years.