The 1997 Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard is the most Burgundian of the four 1997's I tasted, exhibiting smoky, gamey, meaty notes in the aromatics, as well as sweet black cherry and berry fruit. There is good firmness, a lean, moderately tannic finish, and medium body. Although closed and angular, it is an intriguing Pinot Noir that appears to be more driven by its terroir than its siblings. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2007. This winery continues to specialize in high quality Pinot Noir from some of the best vineyard sites in California and Oregon. I tasted four impressive 1997 offerings, all of which are bottled with minimal intervention (i.e., no filtration). Tel. (707) 578-3882

Deep red-cherry fruit, with some herbal, barnyardy and smoky nuances. Lots of plump blackberry fruit, with nice acidity to balance. Good mouthfeel and a long, mouthwatering finish. Dense, yet elegant and complex.——W.E.(10/1/1999)—— 92