- Practicing Biodynamic
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Hirsch Vineyards (Fort Ross-Seaview AVA)
- Sandstone soils over clay loams
- Sourced from their highest elevation site at 1,600 ft.
- Henry Raschen (1854–1937) was a painter of the American West who lived on the ranch that is now Hirsch Vineyards
- Planted in 2002 and 2003
- 54% Pommard-Wädenswil, 46% Swan clones
- Raschen Ridge is the highest elevation vineyard at Hirsch, where the marine, riverine, and continental climates meet
- Aged 14 months in 31% new oak
- 13.5% abv
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2021
Country:
United States
Region:
California
Appellation:
West Sonoma Coast
Variety:
Pinot Noir
Color:
Red
Farming Practice:
Practicing Biodynamic
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | US-HIR-52-21 | 12/750ml |
Tasting Notes
This 2021 Raschen is overflowing with the energetic and high-toned orange-red fruit that is a hallmark of this wine. The fruit is regal, focused, and pure. Raspberries and strawberries intermingle with notes of orange peel, red hibiscus, pomegranate, bay laurel, and anise. On the palate, the attack is lush and silky, with the energetic tannins that are highly characteristic of the Raschen Ridge. The wine is already showing complex layers and incredible potential.
Press & Reviews
James Suckling
Score
100
Date
2023-12-13
"#1 Top 100 Wines of USA 2023: Dark strawberry with stone and redwood, with granite undertones. Oyster shell. Some sea breeze as well. Full to medium body with incredible energy and character to this. So vinous and intense. Superb depth and layers. Swan and pommard clones. Amazing wine. Try after 2028 but already a legend in the bottle."
Vinous
Score
100
Date
2024-01-16
"The 2021 Pinot Noir Raschen Ridge is a stunning wine. Dark, intensely layered and super-expressive, the 2021 dazzles with its intense, explosive personality. Vibrant mineral notes drive through this vibrant Pinot Noir. The mix of clay and rocks, along with exposed, windy parcels yield a wine of towering, statuesque Pinot. All the elements are so well balanced. The balance of fruit, acid and tannin is remarkable. What a wine!"
Jeb Dunnuck
Score
98+
Date
2024-06-28
"The effusive 2021 Pinot Noir Raschen Ridge is a contender for Grand-Cru quality at the Hirsch Estate, with an outstanding nose of tea tree oils, preserved Amarena cherries, and crushed flowers, It pours a dark ruby hue and is medium to full-bodied on the palate, expanding with even-keeled energy and offering a stony texture, ripe tannins, noble structure, and a mouthwatering saline finish. Lovers of Hirsch are going to want to snatch up this phenomenal wine and cellar it. Drink 2026-2046."
Decanter
Score
97
Date
2024-04-22
"Planted in 2002, but this wine has always produced singular wines. A Darker fruit comes forward in the aromatics: dusty violets and freshly squeezed blood orange. Loaded with energy, the palate unfurls. While there is loads of expression the ample structure marks this wine as one that will age beautifully. The 21 vintage may take a bit longer to unwind. Flavours of red fruits and intense blood orange, clove, and black tea are given over to minty elegance and a mineral core of the wine. The finish is brightened by evergreen tips."
Wine Advocate
Score
94
Date
2024-02-22
"The 2021 Pinot Noir Raschen Ridge is scented of red cherry and redcurrant with a kaleidoscope of aniseed, botanical, lilac, earth and chaparral nuances. The medium-bodied palate is vibrant and finely chalky with a concentrated core of fruit and a long, expressive finish. It will benefit from 3-5 more years in bottle."
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2022
James Suckling
Score
99
Date
2025-04-11
"Plenty of oyster shells, umami, blackberries, blueberries and orange peel on the nose. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Chewy at the end. It's lively, tense and solid. Such elegance with power. Needs two to three years to come around. Drink after 2027."
2022
Decanter
Score
98
Date
2025-03-31
"Incredibly vibrant while also offering a sense of ease and finesse. Expressive tannins play nicely with juicy fruit flavours. Bold flavours of blood orange and red berries lead, while subtle hints of eucalyptus and a touch of nutmeg-like earthy spice add depth and complexity. Lively, energetic character allows this to evolve in the glass and sparks curiosity about its potential over the next few years. Exciting and delicious."
2022
VinePair
Score
98
Date
2025-06-11
"Hirsch Vineyards is located on the extreme Sonoma Coast, on a rugged plot of land that straddles the San Andreas Fault. This distinct location creates a series of microclimates, leading to a captivating lineup of terroir-driven wines. This Pinot Noir comes from a very special place on the property, a convergence of two plots on the western edge of the Raschen Ridge: one that's exposed to the harsh Pacific winds and fog, which typically produces intense, concentrated wines, and another that's isolated and protected, producing more delicate expressions. The sites come together to create a wonderfully complex Pinot Noir. The nose is filled with cherries and balsamic with intoxicating hints of anise, pepper, and orange zest. The balance on the palate is perfect with dense red fruit framed by fresh acidity and grippy tannins. This is one the United States' great Pinot Noirs."
2022
Vinous
Score
98
Date
2025-01-30
"The 2022 Pinot Noir Estate Raschen Ridge is a worthy follow-up to the magical 2021. One of the defining attributes of the world's greatest vineyards is their ability to confer a sense of place in all vintages, irrespective of climatic conditions. Raschen Ridge is one of those sites. The 2022 offers up a beguiling mix of red-toned fruit, blood orange, menthol and cinnamon, with the translucent lift and energy that are such signatures of this site. Veins of supporting tannin shape the clean, resonant finish. Raschen Ridge is, in my view, the quintessential Hirsch wine."
2022
Wine Advocate
Score
94
Date
2025-08-07
"The 2022 Pinot Noir Raschen Ridge comes from 21-year-old vines planted on decomposed sandstone and clay soils. It has alluring aromas of pomegranate liqueur, blueberry, rooibos tea, bergamot and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate is powerfully styled with generous, concentrated flavors. It's structured by chalky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long, latent finish."
2019
Wine and Spirits
Score
95
Date
2022-04-28
2019
James Suckling
Score
94
Date
2021-09-02