Sometimes my DC wine class members present Central Coast wines that I have not had the opportunity to try. One of them presented this 2012 Lucienne, consistently rated as one of the top Pinot Noirs from Santa Lucia Highlands. He was fortunate to purchase this on WTSO for $18! This wine in later vintages consistently scores quite high and the typical retail price is $50.
About Lucienne: “Lucienne wines showcase the distinct characteristics of Pinot Noir from each of our Santa Lucia Highlands estate vineyards: Lone Oak, Doctor’s, Smith and Hook. The wines take their name from Santa Lucia, the namesake of the appellation and patron saint of light; her crown of candles graces the wine label. These vineyard-designated releases owe their singular nature to variations in climate, topography, and wind as well as an array of clonal selections. The wines are rich, nuanced expressions of the vineyards they come from.” This is one of Hahn’s high-end labels.
About the Smith Family Vineyard: “Smith is not only our highest elevation vineyard, reaching 1,280 feet above sea level, it was also one of our first estate vineyards, planted originally in the mid-1970s. Boasting eastern exposure above the fog line, this vineyard experiences less windy conditions and a long growing season.” 131 acres planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Soil: “Farmed from alluvial materials, predominantly Chualar Loam with pockets of Placentia Sandy Loam and Arroyo Seco Gravelly Sandy Loam.”
2012 Lucienne Pinot Noir, Smith Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.5% ABV, $50 (#392*)
Winemaker’s Notes from Wine.com: “This wine shows fragrant strawberry and blackberry aromas with earthy cocoa undertones. Silky and richly textured, this wine’s palate impression is balanced by a high-note of acidity recalling tart plums. Harmonious red and black fruit flavors come together with earthy spice notes on this wine’s long finish.”
Wine Enthusiast – 91 points: “A heady swirl of aromas ranging from earthy red iron to hard cinnamon candy and violet flowers emerge in this wine sourced from the historic Smith Vineyard. The flavors, which arrive on a silky palate, start with dark chocolate, root beer extract and lots of geologic influence before hitting raspberry fruit.”
My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Rich currant and cedar in the bouquet. Smooth and rich on the palate. Cassis and cedar carry through. Even I like this Pinot Noir! June 2021
Visiting Hahn: Hahn’s tasting rooms at the winery in SLH and in Carmel are open by reservation – click here for more information.
*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.
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