The 2005 Vintage

The year started well with cold, wet weather. Bud swell was observed early in February. The pruning was completed early March and the buds opened at that time. March was warm and the vines looked superb. Rain and hail commenced in late March and April causing rot in some blocks. Growth was arrested. Early May was warm and fairly dry. Bloom started mid-May. On May 17, six inches of rain fell with damage to the shoots. By June 6 the vines were at fifty percent bloom when a storm with high winds and three more inches of rain hit. On June 16 the last rain fell, only one point six five inches, but it  shattered most of the remaining flowers. Set came by July 10.

Along with the short crop came high farming costs to retard disease and deal with excessive vigor. It’s like pouring water into a holey bucket. Verasion began in early August and the harvest started September 20 and lasted until October 14. Weather during ripening and harvest was cool and sunny, ideal for fully mature, great fruit.

A vintage of challenges on the true Sonoma Coast, resulting in a tiny harvest, creating a wine of massive structure. The 2005 Hirsch has a mysterious depth of unrevealed surprises and potentials. The 2005 wine is composed of fruit from eleven of our older blocks and five of our newly planted ones.

Winemaker notes: dark ruby, this wine opens with aromas of deep black plum and hard spice: nutmeg and cinnamon. With air, the fruit aromas broaden to dark cherry, tobacco and black tea. On the palate, the primary fruit is complemented by a firm minerality typical of our site. In its youth, the acid structure and grip are apparent, indicative of a long evolution and the ability to complement richer foods for those who prefer to decant now.
– Mark Doherty, Winemaker
950 cs produced, 14.1% alc