2019 Hirsch Vineyards San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir

The 2019 Hirsch Vineyards San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir is a profound and contemplative wine that captures the raw, elemental power of one of California's most dramatic vineyard sites, where vines struggle in the fractured, rocky soils directly atop the legendary geological boundary. This bottling reveals a more structured and mineral-driven profile than its estate counterparts, opening with intense aromas of dark cherry, black raspberry, and pomegranate that mingle with crushed stone, wild mushroom, and hints of exotic spice. The palate is both concentrated and graceful, displaying remarkable tension between ripe, succulent fruit and a pronounced stony minerality that seems to echo the seismic energy beneath the vines. Fine-grained tannins provide elegant grip while the wine's vibrant acidity drives through the mid-palate, carrying flavors of red and black fruits, earthy truffle, and a distinctive saline quality that speaks to the site's unique geology and proximity to the Pacific. The finish is persistent and layered, leaving impressions of crushed flowers, graphite, and subtle oak spice that fade slowly into a compelling mineral echo. This is Pinot Noir of exceptional depth and site specificity, offering both the structure for extended cellaring and the complexity to reward patient exploration, representing Hirsch Vineyards' commitment to expressing the most distinctive voices of their extraordinary estate.