Hahn 2017 Pinot Noir Estate, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey

The Hahn's founded their first vineyards in the late '70s in Monterey County and started producing wines that really made everyone take notice. In 1988 Nicky Hahn advocated for the new wine appellation that ultimately led to the creation of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Since then it's been clear that the vineyards in this area were special. The combination of high altitude and the cooling influence of the ocean breezes make it a perfect region for growing Pinot Noir with lots of character and intensity. 

The sourcing for this 2017 is 55% Smith Vineyard, 30% Doctor's Vineyard, 10% Hook Vineyard and 5% Lone Oak Vineyard. After the fruit has been carefully picked and sorted, it is fermented in open top stainless steel tanks. The wine then aged for up to 11 months in  a selection of small, 60-gallon French oak barrels 33% new. When the wine is ready to be blended, the winemaker selects only those barrels that exemplify the finest aromas and flavors of the Santa Lucia Highlands. 

Wine Enthusiast Magazine selected this as an Editors' Choice and scored it 91 points saying "Tart and candied berry aromas meet with tangy pomegranate and hibiscus on the nose. The palate combines more cranberry and pomegranate flavors with dried herbs, all framed by energetic acidity and firm tannins."