At a glance

Producer

Hirsch Vineyards

Region

Sonoma Coast, California, USA

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$75-$110 (USD retail, typical range based on secondary market and auction sites)

Tasting profile

Red cherry, wild strawberry, rose petal, forest floor, black tea, fresh mushroom, and subtle spice; savory, silky palate, excellent length and minerality.

Evolution: Developing deeper earth notes, subtle umami, dried cherry, resolved tannins, and a more harmonious, secondary-driven palate.

At peak: Perfumed aromatics, fully integrated oak, lively red fruit with truffle and savory notes at peak.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus; supportive of ongoing cellaring

Tannins

Silky, integrated, moderate

Alcohol

13.0%-13.5% ABV (typical for this wine and vintage)

Aging potential

Solid, with capacity for another 3-5 years at optimal drinking conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2023 to 2026

Optimal window

2021 to 2027

Current status

Excellent maturity, entering late mid-phase of optimal drinking

Current condition

Mature, expressive, with developed tertiary complexity but still retaining freshness

2017 Hirsch Vineyards East Ridge Pinot Noir enters peak at year 6-7 post-harvest, showing maximum aromatic lift and complexity as fruit, acid, and tannin resolve into harmony. Will hold at peak through year 10, preserving elegance and layered detail.

Food pairing

Duck breast, wild mushroom risotto, coq au vin, roast quail, grilled salmon, or aged Comté.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Dry-farming, organic viticulture, minimal intervention, extensive cover cropping, on-site composting, solar-powered winery, rainwater harvesting, and lightweight glass bottle packaging.

Hirsch Vineyards is a leader in sustainable winegrowing in Sonoma Coast. The 'East Ridge' 2017 is made from organically farmed vines, dry-farmed (minimal irrigation), with a holistic approach to biodiversity, ecosystem health, and soil regeneration. Hirsch avoids synthetic pesticides, uses solar power for winery operations, and utilizes lighter bottles to reduce shipping emissions. Packaging is recycled/recyclable. While not Demeter-certified, many biodynamic practices are employed. The overall model exceeds most California sustainability benchmarks. Only deduction: not fully certified biodynamic, and global shipping impact for export markets.