2017 Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $85. Sourced from vines that are farmed using organic and biodynamic principles. Littorai was one of the first purchasers of fruit from Hirsch Vineyard along with Steve Kistler and Burt Williams who first showed up together at Hirsch Vineyards in 1994. The three winemakers crafted startling good and age-worthy Pinot Noirs and spurred the notoriety of Hirsch Vineyards. The vineyard is planted to Pommard and Dijon clones and heritage selections including Swan, Calera and Mt Eden. This bottling includes 114, 777, Pommard clones and a Swan selection. Typically, Littorai wines are aged 16 months in French oak with about 25% new barrels.

Note: The winery’s website is www.littorai.com. Littorai wines are sold only through an allocated mailing list. The wines are also available at many fine restaurants.

· Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas and flavors of mixed berries including strawberry framed by sandy tannins and bright acidity. Texturally of great interest but otherwise not exciting at this stage. Largely unchanged when re-tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Giving, but not yet generously, requiring patience. Score: 91. Reviewed May 25, 2020

Winery: Littorai
From article: Recent Pinot Noir Wines I Have Enjoyed