# San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir (2021)

- **Producer:** Hirsch Vineyards
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €80
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, redcurrant, black cherry, black plum, red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, vanilla, cedar, cloves, earth, forest floor, mushroom

## About this wine

The Hirsch San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir hails from the Sonoma Coast AVA, a region profoundly influenced by the nearby San Andreas Fault. Hirsch Vineyards is distinguished by its 72 acres, meticulously divided into 67 distinct farming blocks, a level of fragmentation that mirrors Burgundy and captures the vineyard's diverse geological features. David Hirsch established the vineyard in 1980, and the estate is now led by winemaker Jasmine Hirsch. This wine is considered the flagship of the estate, representing the complex summation of its unique terroir.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyard is split into 67 individual farming blocks, more than Burgundy.
- San Andreas Fault is just half a mile away.
- David Hirsch planted the vineyard in 1980, a pioneer for the region.
- The wine is nicknamed 'the Hirsch Hirsch' by David Hirsch.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and bright acidity make it versatile. It can cut through the richness of duck or pork, while its fruit notes complement earthy mushrooms and herbs. The fine tannins offer a gentle structure that pairs well with moderate protein.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Hirsch San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir is characterized by meticulous attention to detail, with each of the 67 vineyard blocks managed and vinified separately. Native yeasts are utilized for fermentation, and the wine undergoes 100% de-stemming for this cuvée. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels, with a portion of new oak contributing to its development. Organic farming practices are employed in the vineyard.