2002 is the inaugural release from Hirsch Winery. After 22 years of farming, David began producing his own estate wines in 2002. It was a warm vintage with ample winter rain. Harvest began on September 10, and yields were low to average at two tons per acre. The wines were made by winemaker Vanessa Wong and are characterized by a dark fruit character, a density of texture, and ample structure. As David Hirsch wrote in his inaugural release letter, “these are real wines from a dynamic site for growing Pinot Noir; as such, the wine is for drinking and heartfelt gustation”.
2002 began with a warm spell in late Feb. and early March. Bud break came between March 1-5 in different blocks. Spring temperatures were normal. There was enough spring rainfall on top of the ‘normal’ 80” the area receives to provide adequate soil moisture for the growing season. There was no irrigation in the blocks until the heat came on at the end of veraison. Flowering began on May 20 and reached 90% bloom by June 12. Set was complete by June 22. The temperatures rose up into the 90’s for most days between May 24 and June 13. The heat resumed in late June and lasted without much relief through most of July. It was 107 degrees on July 10 (It does get hot here!). First color was sighted July 15 and reached 10 % by the end of month. By Aug. 10 the fields were at 50% veraison.
After a brief respite, the heat returned on Aug. 8 and then again on the 27th, reaching 96 by Sept. 4. This final heat spike quickly drove up the sugars as much by dehydration as by photosynthesis (vines shut down at high temperatures). Part of the reason for the hyper- increase in soluble solids was the thinning done, during veraison. For some years the vines had been acutely green thinned at the request of our winery customers. We now feel that imbalance can come with under cropping as well as over cropping. Fortunately it cooled off for three days between Sept. 7 and 9 allowing us to quickly organize the harvest which began on the 10th.
After a brief respite, the heat returned on Aug. 8 and then again on the 27th, reaching 96 by Sept. 4. This final heat spike quickly drove up the sugars as much by dehydration as by photosynthesis (vines shut down at high temperatures). Part of the reason for the hyper- increase in soluble solids was the thinning done, during veraison. For some years the vines had been acutely green thinned at the request of our winery customers. We now feel that imbalance can come with under cropping as well as over cropping. Fortunately it cooled off for three days between Sept. 7 and 9 allowing us to quickly organize the harvest which began on the 10th.
Ranch wide, the per acre yield was 1.8 tons. The three blocks that provided the fruit for the Hirsch Winery wine gave exactly two tons to the acre. The moving five-year average yield for all blocks is 2.1 tons.
The 2002 Wines
The 2002 vintage wines are characterized by a dark fruit character, a density of texture, and ample structure.
In 2002, we produced the following wines at Hirsch Vineyards:
The Bohan Dillon was produced 100% from Hirsch fruit in 2002. However in future vintages, it may include our neighbors’ grapes. High toned with bright aromas of cherry and spicy bramble fruit. Aeration reveals deeper autumnal earth notes. This is a wine of ample structure ideal as a complement to grilled or roasted meats and other hearty fare.
Produced entirely from the original old vineyards and heritage Pinot clones, the 2002 Hirsch is 45% Mt. Eden clone from Block 4B, 34% Pommard from Block 5, and 21% Pommard from Block 8. This is a real wine from a dynamic site for growing Pinot Noir; as such, the wine is for drinking and heartfelt gustation. Enticing aromas of cherry, Chinese five spice, glazed ham, anise, and dried tangerine peel. A lovely core of strawberry conserve with hints of clove and duck confit. Fleshy and mouth-filling with firm, integrated tannins. Elegant with rich structure and deep finish.
