Pinot Noir Reserve, Hirsch Vineyards 2021

The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Reserve is a powerful, dense and tannic wine. In many ways, the Reserve is done more in the older Hirsch style, in which the tannins are quite imposing. Dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, dried herbs, spice, menthol and dried herbs fill out the layers. The Reserve is quite potent, but it does not have the textural finesse of the very finest wines in this range—although that is a pretty small quibble at this very high level. (Drink between 2026-2039)

The 2021 Pinot Noir Reserve has layered aromas of cranberry sauce, blueberries, lavender, mint, woodsmoke and meaty undertones. The medium-bodied palate is seamless and expressive. It has an ultra silky texture, vibrant acidity, highly concentrated, complex flavors and a long, spicy finish. It's gorgeous now yet offers the stuffing and structure to age gracefully in the cellar.