Hirsch Vineyards & Winery

I used to love Hirsch wines and had been a loyal member of the mailing list/​allotment for 4 years. Tried to plan a visit there this past summer in conjunction with a wedding — the winery is in an off-​the-​beaten-​path type of place and the wedding was close by. We planned our entire timing for the trip around a visit to the winery and then 2 days before the trip, we got an email saying that they could no longer see us when they had originally planned and that there was no other time during the ENTIRE weekend to visit. The original person tried to blame the whole mix-​up on me (no apology) and then someone more senior at the winery wrote to me. In any case, we never were permitted to visit and I cancelled my membership. When you drink a bottle of wine, it often evokes memories and I have nothing but bad memories associated with this place now. Advice: buy their wines in SF and avoid visiting this toxic place.

A beautiful farm where they grow the best grapes and make extraordinary, delicious wines.

I’ll have to admit that most of my Pinot consumption is Burgundy. Those French just know how to do it. They rock Pinot and CHardonnay like you wouldnt believe. However there are some US vintners that are making those wines in that fashion. David Hirsch is a Burgundy drinker and I guess his land is perfect for those grapes to boot. How perfect. I have to admit I’ve focused on the Pinot so far and the Chards are given their due soon I hope. But if you like the Burgundian palate for your wine Hirsch certainly can fill that niche for you. Like Dominus is to the Bordeaux, Hirsch can be to Burgundy.

great pinot, loved the Knoll

Home run! If you’re up for a wild drive, it’s the mecca of California Pinot Noir. 30+ year old vineyards in arguably the best climate for pinot — there has to be something in the soil because all of their wines resonate greatness. Even the house wine «bohan dillan» dances on your tongue and has wonderful flavors. Don’t come here if you’re a faint of heart driver — this is serious back country! If you’re like me and can’t keep up with who the latest rock star pinot noir maker is, save your time and go to the source of great fruit for decades and great winemaking. The hospitality is genuine and personal. As much as my wife hates back roads, we’ll be back!

Woah. I have never had a California Chardonnay like the one I enjoyed on a balmy September afternoon at Hirsch.
Set way up high in the hills where you can see the ocean and smell the pine forest. The San Andreas is nearby. Basically the setting is spectacular. The people are lovely.
The wines are AMAZING.

The drive up to Hirsch was quite amazing. It took us through the morning fog of the Russian River Valley, up through Monte Rio, and along the Russian River to Highway 1. Following the rugged Sonoma coastline for a spell and then up into the coastal mountains, we finally found ourselves at the Hirsch Vineyards. But not before mile after mountain mile of one-​lane road, hairpin curves, and even driving through backyards– ruins of crashed cars notwithstanding. It’s a great way to bring the term «Far Sonoma Coast» to life.
Upon arrival we were greeted by our hostess, Tess. We took a stroll around the vineyards, starting in the original OVY vineyard blocks– originally planted to Pinot Noir and Riesling back in 1980 before eventually being converted to all Pinot Noir. From there we talked about some of the viticultural practices of Hirsch and viewed the expanse of vineyards spread across hilltops off in the distance– with the Pacific Ocean in the horizon. Hirsch is only 3 miles from the coast, with the San Andreas fault lying between it and the ocean.
Back at the winery, we toured the open-​top fermenters and the barrel room, as we were joined by winemaker Ross Cobb. Ross was great, entertaining questions about his approach to natural fermentation, and showing us the 14 gallon glass demijohns in which his Chardonnay is partially fermented. Finally, we headed into the office to taste a couple of wines they had lying around. Thanks to Tess for setting everything up, and to both Tess and Ross for being so hospitable. This was a great stop, a fascinating departure from the rest of the wine trail circuit. My only regret is not allowing more time before the second appointment of the day. Our 10:00 appointment was followed by a 1:00 back in the Russian River Valley– an hour and fifteen minute drive back. We had to hustle to get back– bottoming out on a random speed hump coming down the mountain and almost nailing a sheep!
The Wine–
–2008 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast– Partial oak, glass, and stainless steel fermentation. Wild yeast fermentation. Full malo. Unfiltered. Neutral oak aging. Earthy nose with pungent notes of aged cheeses and bright apple. Earthy on the palate with bright fruit and mineral balance. Good acid and a long finish — excellent — $ 50.
–2007 San Andreas Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast– A ruby color with good clarity. Gamey, cherry, and forest floor notes initiate velvety strawberry and cherry fruit soaked in silky tannins. Nice earthy fruit finish — excellent — I could see this further developing the depth of flavors with a few years time — $ 60.