2018 Hahn SLH Gabrielle

93 pts - Vinous, October 2020
"Deep, shimmering red. A complex, expansive bouquet evokes fresh red and blue fruits, incense and potpourri, along with building vanilla and baking spice nuances and a touch of cola. Concentrated yet lively in character, offering palate-staining black raspberry, cherry cola, spicecake and rose pastille flavors that are braced by a core of smoky minerality. Finishes appealingly sweet, smooth and impressively long, with repeating florality and rounded, even tannins." - J.R.

In crafting the Hahn SLH Pinot Noir, we make dozens, even hundreds, of careful choices at each stage of the wine growing process. Step-by-step we determine which vineyard blocks and barrel treatments will combine to create the best balanced, most complete wine. The Gabrielle Pinot Noir is a further refinement of that process. The backbone of this wine is defined by the special barrels from our Smith and Hook vineyards. These two most southern estate vineyards are the least affected by the cooling influence of Monterey Bay and contribute silky tannins and lively structure. The fruit from our Doctor’s vineyard adds balanced acidity and a round mouthfeel. Together the blend makes for a delicious, voluptuous wine with a delicate finish.