2023 Hirsch San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir, California

Spicy aromas of flint, black cherries, dried strawberries, oranges and a touch of wet earth. Medium- to full-bodied with a crisp, poised palate. Shy in the finish. Delicious now.

94 points James Suckling

Few vineyards have a setting quite as dramatic as Hirsch, perched above the Pacific Ocean on the rugged Sonoma Coast. Planted by David Hirsch in 1980, the estate straddles the San Andreas Fault, where fractured sandstone, complex geology and relentless coastal winds shape Pinot Noir of remarkable individuality. Jasmine Hirsch now leads the family estate, with winemaker Luke McCollom crafting wines that celebrate this extraordinary landscape.

Brilliant ruby red with garnet highlights. Wild cherry, black raspberry and ripe cranberry mingle with rose petals, blood orange and subtle forest floor spice. The 2023 vintage has beautiful concentration without heaviness, combining finely woven tannins with vibrant acidity and a distinctive mineral character. A whisper of cedar and savoury herbs adds complexity to a long, elegant finish.

A wonderful companion to tea smoked duck with plum, grilled king mushrooms with tamari and sesame, or crispy skinned salmon with beetroot and horseradish. Serious Pinot Noir with a wonderfully wild Californian personality.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2038. Excellent potential for further development as its savoury complexity deepens.