Pinot Noir 'East Ridge'

Score

96

"This wine was made beginning in 2009. As the Hirsch winemaker, Ross Cobb decided to isolate the plot on the eastern ridge as its own bottling. On the southeast, with a northeast-facing slope, this site is more protected from the ocean and is very steep. The plot has phylloxera, so the designated bottling likely has a limited future. Cobb taught Jasmine to cherish the wines from this block of vineyard, which always had a darker, nearly Nebbiolo dried fruit character, ample structure, and overtly so. Rose petals and ember, a gorgeous wine. Dried cherry character loads of blue mountain berries, evergreen tips, and crushed stone minerality."

Score

17

"A little more purple than the West Ridge. And with more pronounced acidity and tannin. Quite youthful but promising."

Score

97

"While the West Ridge is a low-vigor site from the magnesium in the clay, the East Ridge is low vigor due to the lack of topsoil in the vineyard. This is also the first vineyard where they practice no-till farming, which they are working toward across the estate. Located on opposite sides of the property, the East Ridge Vineyard has more clay and sandstone soils than the West Ridge and experiences cold temperatures at night. Pouring a darker ruby/red color, the 2021 Pinot Noir East Ridge jumps out of the glass with mineral-tinged aromas of graphite lifted with darker fruit notes of black raspberries and fresh sage. Moving to the palate, it's muscular in its structure, with a medium to full-bodied frame, ripe tannins, and a long finish. It's going to need time to soften and unfurl, when it will lean into more umami and savory undertones. Drink 2026-2042."

Score

98

"The 2021 Pinot Noir East Ridge is a wild, exotic wine. Dark and mysterious, the 2021 possesses striking nuance and complexity. A wine of deceptive power and structure, the 2021 exudes class. There's plenty of tannin, but all the elements are so well balanced. Layers of vibrant fruit build over time, leading to a deep, explosive finish that is unforgettable. The balance here is magnificent."

Score

95

"The 2021 Pinot Noir East Ridge has notably pure, detailed aromas this vintage: raspberry jam and crushed red cherries are accented by tones of lavender, mixed tea leaves, dried flowers, dusty earth and amaro. The medium-bodied palate explodes with highly concentrated, complex flavor layers. It has a seamless structure and a very long finish. It's fantastically expressive yet offers the depth and structure for cellaring."