Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

Crafted by the ever-talented winemaker Jasmine Hirsch, the West Ridge is the most delicate of Hirsch's Pinot Noirs, with soft tannins and transparent fruit. The West Ridge is a north-south ridgeline, with the vineyards planted on the ridgetops. Predominantly comprised of very heavy, black clay, the soils are highly compacted, and act more like bedrock than typical clay. This inhospitable environment stresses the vines and inhibits vigor. It is one of their most challenging vineyard sites, yet produces wines that are ethereal, fragile and hauntingly aromatic.

The aromatics of the 2021 West Ridge are unusually powerful for this wine, which is typically our most delicate and transparent Pinot Noir. Crushed alpine strawberries intermingle with wet stone, sage, bay laurel, cassis, black current, and violets. The attack is glossy, full and sapid. The mouthfeel shows a remarkable combination of concentration with lift and elegance.

Wine Advocate: 95 Points