2013 Chardonnay Estate

David Hirsch is one of the true pioneers of the Sonoma Coast. Hirsch was busy planting and developing vineyards long before this stretch of wild, coastal land became Sonoma's high-rent district. Just look at some of the names that have followed Hirsch's lead; Marcassin, Schrader, Peter Michael, Pahlmeyer among them. A debilitating fall nearly two years ago left Hirsch paralyzed below the neck, yet from various reports, he continues to zip around town in a custom made wheel chair. Such is his spirit. As for the wines, well they fall into secondary importance in times like these. The 2013 Chardonnay is superb, while the Pinots reflect the challenging conditions of the year, and specifically, a lack of depth that is common. In other news, winemaker Anthony Filiberti has taken over the reins from Ross Cobb with the 2015 vintage. Needless to say, it will be interesting to see where things go in this next iteration of Hirsch Vineyards guided by David Hirsch's daughter, Jasmine, who has been the face of the family business for some time.