When we're celebrating, we bring out the wine. When a vineyard is celebrating, it's only natural that they too bring out the wine. That was the case of the Hahn Family Wines celebrating their 40th Anniversary in the Santa Lucia Highlands. We had the pleasure of virtually celebrating this wonderful family of wines with some of their most coveted new releases. Hosted by Master Sommelier Fred Dex, we sipped our way through the Hahn Family Wines 2018 vintage Hahn SLH and Lucienne single-vineyard pinot noir wines.
We journeyed through a flight of Hahn Family Red Wines including Hahn SLH Pinot Noir ($30.00), Lucienne Smith Vineyard Pinot Noir ($50.00), Lucienne Doctor's Vineyard Pinot Noir ($50.00), and Lucienne Lone Oak Pinot Noir ($50.00). Let's get to know these hearty reds.
Hahn SLH Pinot Noir ($30.00) - The 2018 SLH Pinot Noir offers aromas of cherry, ripe strawberry, and pomegranate with hints of white pepper and toasty oak. Aged for 11 months in 35% new French Oak barrels, this blend boasts remarkable depth, complexity, and ripe fruit flavors thanks to a long and dry growing season, lots of sun, and well-drained soils. An is an explosion of red fruit including strawberry, cherry and raspberry welcome the palate, finishing with a touch of earthy notes, refined tannins, and a soft mouthfeel.
Lucienne Smith Vineyard Pinot Noir ($50.00) - This bold pinot noir features fragrant aromas of red currant, cherry, blueberry, and spicy toasty oak. Aged 15 months in 40% new French oak barrels, the grapes from this vineyard are located at Hahn's highest elevation with rocky well-drained soils and eastern exposures. The Smith Vineyard is also the oldest of the Hahn Family Wines vineyards and is certified sustainable. This memorable pinot boasts flavors of red cherry, black plum, and lingering impressions of spicy clove and cinnamon that give it a backbone with an intriguing layered tannin finish.
Lucienne Doctor's Vineyard Pinot Noir ($50.00) - This is a great pinot noir for those who love an acidic red wine. Aged 15 months in 40% new French oak barrels, this single-vineyard pinot noir boasts beautiful aromas of blackberry and cherry accented with hints of sagebrush and clover. This stretch of vineyard is located in the middle of the Santa Lucia Highlands; it experiences warmer temperatures and higher winds and is certified sustainably grown. The wine's vibrant acidity and smooth tannins lead to a silky structure and lingering finish.
Lucienne Lone Oak Pinot Noir ($50.00) - If you're like us, you may take a moment to breathe in your wine right after opening. That moment was made for wines like the Lucienne Lone Oak Pinot Noir. It's an intensely aromatic wine with notes of vibrant red cherry and earthy mushrooms, followed by hints of bay leaf and black pepper. Located at the northern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands, the grapes in this vineyard slowly develop flavor and concentration thanks to the "cooled by ocean breezes" from the Monterey Bay. Its complexity continues on the palate with flavors of fresh handpicked cherries, hints of vanilla, and a toasty oak finish.
We had fun getting to know the new pinot noir releases from Hahn Family Wines and we know you red wine lovers will happily indulge in bold reds as well. So join us, grab a bottle or more of these Hahn Family Wines and raise a glass in honor of their 40th Anniversary in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Happy sipping!