Long-time readers will remember our admiration for Hahn Family Wines. We were delighted to be invited to a tasting by our friends at Artisan Wine Depot. Hahn visits Artisan and we are there to report on the event. As always, all prices are from Artisan.
Browsing the Hahn website, we discovered the fascinating biographies of the Hahn family. I’ll include photos and bio sketches between wine reviews. Let’s start with co-founder Nicky Hahn.
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There were ten wines on the menu. In the interest of promoting only the best, we’ll limit our review to five of them. (Naturally, we’ll skip the Smith & Hook cabernet sauvignon and the Boneshaker zinfandel.)
Hahn’s 2016 Monterey County chardonnay ($16) is a bargain. The opening is tropical aromas of citrus, and orange zest. The palate is more citrus with a nice acid balance and luscious mouth-feel.
Co-founder Gaby Hahn (click for larger image)
The 2016 “SLH” Santa Lucia Highlands pinot noir ($20) is also a bargain. This one is the forest floor – earthy style. The nose is ripe cherry fruit with touches of newly-plowed earth. The palate features dark berry flavors, with hints of spice and dried thyme.
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Lucienne is one of Hahn’s higher-end labels. The 2016 Smith Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands pinot noir ($45) begins with enticing aromas of strawberry and blackberry with a hint of chocolate. The palate features dark fruit, especially plums with spice undertones. Add a nice acid balance and this is a winner.
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The 2016 Doctor’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands pinot noir ($45) is a good illustration of why terroir matters, even at the vineyard level. Aromas are toward the earthy end with hints of leather and, unusually, cedar. Flavors feature wild raspberries, blackberries and more cedar. Incidentally, this vineyard is named in honor of Dr. Caroline Hahn (see bio sketch above).
It was a pleasure to be reminded of this outstanding winery.
