Ryan's Wine of the Week: Hirsch Vineyards San Andreas Fault Pinot
Photo by Shelby Griffiths, K&L Hollywood Staffer.
I can't think of a more appropriate Wine of the Week for Earth Day than the 2018 Hirsch Vineyards "San Andreas Fault" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. The wine comes from an iconic vineyard that sits quite literally at the edge of the Earth, 1,500 to 2000 feet above the Pacific Ocean in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. David Hirsch, a pioneering grower in this region, planted his first vines here in 1980. The estate today is a patchwork of some 60 distinct blocks at various elevations, differing aspects, and includes a multitude of soil types thanks to the San Andreas fault that runs directly adjacent to the property.
The power of Mother Earth is always apparent here—the towering mountain ranges thrust from the depths of the Pacific by the colliding tectonic plates, the majestic Coastal Redwoods standing guard around the vines, and all manner of wild beast that calls this remote wilderness home.
Another reason this wine works so well today of all days is Hirsch's commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture. The entire estate, including the orchards and gardens, are farmed according to biodynamic principles. The wines themselves are made in a very natural way that respects the quality of the fruit and a powerful sense of place. The San Andreas Fault bottling is essentially the broad voice of the estate. It incorporates dozens of individual blocks, clones, soil types, and vines ageing from 20 to 40 years. It is painstakingly blended to be the most complete and faithful representation of this place in a given season. This wine is a benchmark of the region and one I implore all of you to try.
Cheers!