Failla : Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard 2015

An Age-Worthy Cool Climate Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast

Failla Wines was first established in 1998 by a winemaker by the name of Ehren Jordan after he was inspired by experiences working at Neyer Vineyards in Napa Valley, Turley Wine Cellars on the Sonoma Coast and at Jon Luc Columbo in France's Rhone Valley. 1998 was also the year in which Failla Wines had its first release: an Edna Valley Viognier and a Sonoma Coast Syrah, produced with fruit purchased from local winegrowers. In 1999, Failla began a Pinot Noir with grapes from the Russian River Valley, and eventually grew to include several different single-vineyard expressions. Ehren first began working with the celebrated Hirsch Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA in 2001. Considered today one of the "Grand Cru" vineyards of California, the Hirsch Vineyard sits next to the San Andreas Fault, resulting in a wide array of soil types and exposures. The vineyard is home to 60 distinct blocks over 72 acres planted with vines. Here, the vines are planted above the fog line, allowing for a cool climate expression and maxmised sun exposure.

The Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015 by Failla reflects the minimalist, hands-off winemaking style of Ehren Jordan. The fermentation is carried out with 20% whole clusters and using exclusively native yeasts. This single-varietal Californian Pinot Noir is aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, of which 25% are new. The wine is not fined or filtered before bottling.

The Failla Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015 presents a pure expression of place, with the fragrance of sea spray blending seamlessly with cool red fruit, along with balsam and orange marmalade. On the palate, this Pinot Noir wine shows fantastic structure in terms of tannins and acidity, promising a wonderful and long evolution in the bottle.