A few months back, they asked me to find a tasting room for their November WinedUP Friday. I suggested Hahn, as there was a desire to get back to Carmel-By-The-Sea. I have a relationship through my wine education efforts with the staff at Hahn, yet arranging this event took some convincing. I was able to work this out with Hahn’s Coby Shammas, who has worked with me in the past, helping me identify some Hahn wines for my classes and arranging a tasting for Decanting Monterey last February, which is posted here: https://decantingmonterey.com/hahn-rolls-out-the-red-carpet-for-decanting-monterey/.
I was recently asked by the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society if I would be willing to serve as an advisor to their board. I had to feel out what level of commitment this meant – maybe a meeting a month – and to keep doing what I am doing for them. Which means occasionally using my contacts to find them a venue for their WinedUP Fridays – both an educational and social event. I said ok, and am now officially a Monterey AWS Board Advisor! It is one small recognition that this blog has some meaning to someone. If you like what I am writing about, please feel free to comment or “like” this post – engagement is always welcomed! Also always looking for recommendations, although I have yet to run out of material!
OK, back to our event…The Hahn tasting room is a stellar event location. Nicely decorated with ample indoor and outdoor seating, it easily accommodated our group of about 20 people! The tasting menu that day was perfect, with 2 higher-end Lucienne label wines available for us. Extra hands were on staff to help pour and answer our many questions. Coby and the other wine presenters did a great job of ensuring we were able to taste all the wines. My final task was to ensure we were all out the door by 6:15 – we made it – with some prodding! I’d call the event a success!
I am presenting 7 Hahn wines today. Our one common comment on the wines is that Hahn loves its toasty oak. If you are also a fan, this is the winery for you! Winery vintage and tasting notes come from their website. I encourage you to read more about Hahn here: https://decantingmonterey.com/hahn-inspired-by-the-rhone-blends-of-southern-france/ and on their website.
2017 Hahn Winery Selection Blanc de Noir Brut , Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 11.5% ABV, $50 (#864) 100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes: “Our Blanc de Noir, meaning “white of red”, is made of 100% Pinot Noir grapes from our certified sustainable Smith Vineyard. The fruit was harvested by hand in mid-August when sugars were low and acid was beautiful. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures, allowing the wines bright fruit aromas to shine.” 150 cases produced.
Winery Tasting Notes: “Aromas of red cherry, raspberry, cantaloupe and toasted brioche, complemented by hints of apricot and orange zest. Flavors of grapefruit, pear, white peach and toasted bread lead into a long and graceful finish.”
My Review: Very slight color – a touch dusty pink. Very dry and crisp, with apple flavors. Kind of like a sophisticated, adult sparkling apple cider – an adult Martinelli’s! November 2022
2021 Hahn Estate Grown Pinot Gris, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.1% ABV, $28 (#865)
Vintage Notes: “The winter rainfall was slightly below average, but we were able to compensate with early spring irrigation to fill soil profiles before budbreak. Warm spring temperatures aided vine growth and they were able to reach max canopy height. Summer temperatures heated up and slowed down vine growth as vines transitioned into fruit development. Weather leading into harvest was relatively cool and uneventful, which allowed for gradual ripening of the fruit. It was another remarkable growing season in the Santa Lucia Highlands, resulting in wines with beautiful color, great structure and naturally balanced acidity.”
Winery Tasting Notes: “This elegant wine presents with expressive and complex aromatics of citrus peel, lemon, pineapple and nectarine. Bright flavors of tropical fruit, lemon zest and hints of pear and melon mingle on the mid-palate, rounding out medium-bodied mouthfeel with refreshing acidity and a clean, mineral finish.”
My Review: Extremely pale in the glass, almost like water. Honeysuckle on the noce and palate. Pear flavors, with lemon/lime on the finish. November 2022
2018 Hahn Lucienne Lone Oak Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.5% ABV, $50 (#866)
Vintage Notes: “Aromas of white melon and ripe citrus are accented with notes of banana and spiced vanilla. Medium-bodied, refined and elegant on the palate, the wine displays flavors of lemon citrus and nectarine, highlighted by vibrant notes of minerality on a medium acidic finish.”
Winery Tasting Notes: “Aromas of red and black cherries, red currant, and strawberry with notes of violet and rose petals. On the palate, layers of red fruit and fresh berries, rhubarb pie with a touch of warm spices complemented by vanilla notes and integrated oak on a long delicate finish.” 93 points – Vinous
My Review: Pale golden and viscous in the glass. Buttered toast on the nose. Crisp, slightly burnt caramel on the palate with lemon curd, coconut, and brioche notes. The oak on this wine is out of balance – all secondary. If you love a buttery Chardonnay, you will love this wine. November 2022
2019 Hahn Lucienne Smith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.5% ABV, $60 (#867)
Vintage Notes: “Curving along the ridges and valleys of the Santa Lucia Highlands, the Smith Vineyard is Hahn’s highest elevation vineyard, reaching 590 to 1,280 feet above sea level. Originally planted in 1974, Smith is also Hahn’s first estate vineyard, and today its 131 acres are certified sustainable. With rocky well-drained soils and eastern exposures that sit well above the fog line, this is a cool climate site with moderate wind and ample sunshine that contributes to a long growing season.” 1300 cases produced.
Winery Tasting Notes: “Fragrant aromas of black cherry, red plum, black tea and notes of mint and forest floor. On the palate, flavors of red cherry, black currant and a hint of clove are supported by intriguing layered round tannins, lush mouthfeel and balanced acidity.” 93 points -Vinous.
My Review: Nice transluscent ruby in the glass, swirls purple. Cherry, subtle berry, very drinkable. Tasty and juicy. The Lucienne is a respectable SLH Pinot Noir. Pick one up if you can! November 2022
2018 Hahn Winery Selection Merlot, Arroyo Seco AVA, 14.5% ABV, $30 (#868)
Vintage Notes: “The vintage presented us with half the average rainfall, therefore, irrigation was supplemented in January and February so the vines would awaken to a full soil moisture profile. March gave us our last winter storm and by the end of the month, all blocks had signs of bud break. The early Spring weather was cooler than normal, with periods where the marine layer would leave heavy dew on the leaves and flowers. Summer was followed by mellow temperatures, allowing the fruit to mature and slowly develop complex flavors, color, and depth, resulting in wines with balanced tannic structure, round mouthfeel and soft acidity.”
Winery Tasting Notes: “Aromas of black cherry and plum, with hints of vanilla and cocoa. Flavors of dark berry, sweet spice, and mocha greet the palate with a luscious mouthfeel, balanced acidity and a smooth finish.”
My Review: Beautiful ruby in the glass. Black plum and black cherry with a little baking spice on the nose. Black fruit and spices continue on the palate, smooth and tasty. A little thin, perhaps typical for the varietal. Interesting to find a Merlot from Arroyo Seco! November 2022
2018 Hahn Winery Selection Zinfandel, Lodi AVA, 14.5% ABV, $35 (#869)
Vintage Notes: “The fruit for this Winery Selection Zinfandel is sustainably grown by the Mettler family, our growing partner of more than 20 years that has been farming Zinfandel since the late 1800s. Their vines are over 50 years old and certified sustainable under the highly respected Lodi Rules for Sustainable Farming program. In 2018, these vineyards had a mild early growing season which led to full canopies and good separation of the berries during veraison. Temperatures post veraison were slightly above the usual levels but still allowed for the perfect ripening of the fruit, leading to concentrated flavor and color development.”
Winery Notes: “Aromas of blackberry, boysenberry and plum with delicate notes of raisins and warm spices. Lush and full-bodied on the palate, the wine bursts with flavors of black fruit and berry accompanied by a touch of vanilla and toasty oak on the finish.”
My Review: Almost purple in the glass. Toasted marshmallow nose. Rich, dark berries wrapped in tobacco and toast, with anise notes on the finish and a touch of mint. November 2022
2019 Smith & Hook Malbec, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, $40 (#870)
Vintage Notes: “The 2019 vintage started out with below-average rainfall causing supplemental irrigations to be applied while the vines started to awaken. There were a few heatwaves getting close to 100 degrees, but the vines bounced back from the stress with no issues. The farthest south of Hahn’s four SLH vineyards, the Hook vineyard is the least affected by the cooling influence of winds from Monterey Bay. Warmer temperatures earlier in the afternoon and consistent sun exposure accelerate ripening and yield rich, opulent flavors.”
Winery Tasting Notes: “Aromas of loganberry and allspice are followed by hints of lavender, violet, and spring blossom. On the palate, notes of dark fruit with a kiss of olive and minerality, finishing with a touch of toasty cedar and espresso with a long, complex finish.”
My Review: Dark, inky ruby in color. Toasty caramel and dark fruit on the nose. A rich delicious palate of dark fruit – perhaos my favorite wine of the evening. I took one of these home! November 2022
Visiting Hahn: Hahn Tasting Rooms are located a their estate in the Santa Lucia Highlands, as well as in Carmel Plaza. You can find more information and make a reservation here.
Estate: “Immerse yourself in the Santa Lucia Highlands with a visit to our Estate Tasting room. Choose one of our three tasting options or gear up for some adventure on our ATV Tour. Be sure to include time to relax on the deck to enjoy the spectacular view of Smith Vineyard.” Open Thursday-Monday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 37700 Foothill Road, Soledad, CA 93960.
Carmel Plaza: “Come visit us in Carmel-by-the-Sea! Our Hahn Family Wines Tasting Room is located in beautiful Carmel Plaza, a popular wine and shopping destination located blocks away from Carmel Beach and the World Famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.” Open daily, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Carmel Plaza, Ocean Avenue and Mission Street on the Ground Floor.
© Decanting Monterey 2023
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