Lucienne Smith Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012

A nuanced and complex wine made solely from Hahn's Smith Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County. Overt cherry and raspberry aromas come on early, building on a base of wild game, dried mushrooms, cinnamon, and caramelized dark fruit. The mouthfeel is softly full and silky, with a slight edge of acidity recalling candied orange peels accompanying the allspice-laden finish.

100% Pinot Noir. Lucienne is one of several brands owned by Hahn Estates. Nicolaus ("Nicky") and Gaby Hahn found their first vineyards in the late '70s in Monterey County. In 1988, sensing the potential of the region, Nicky Hahn advocated a new wine appellation and his pioneering effort ultimately led to the creation of one of the most exciting and highly lauded U.S. wine appellations today—the Santa Lucia Highlands (SLH). The Hahn SLH Estate, with over 650 vineyard acres in the Santa Lucia Highlands, represents a tradition of excellence in winemaking, green business practices, and sustainable farming. A blend of clones 76 and 96, the grapes were whole-cluster pressed and 100% barrel fermented. Handcrafted from vineyard to bottle, this Chardonnay is a limited production wine, with a rich, complex, and nutty character.