The blockbuster 2001 Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard’s deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by lush aromas of white chocolate, plums, figs, raspberries, cherries, and a hint of smoke. This velvety-textured, medium to full-bodied, gorgeously proportioned 2001 is crammed with concentration. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. Readers should not forget the enthusiastic reviews I gave to some of Siduri’s Santa Barbara area offerings in issue 149. Siduri is one of my favorite wineries, although I have yet to visit with winemaker Adam Lee, who does such a fine job. Tel. (707) 578-3882; Fax (707) 578-3884

From one of the Coast’s most famous vineyards, a big, superripe bruiser of a Pinot. This was a difficult, hot vintage on the Coast, and it shows in the wine, which opens with a Porty scent suggesting raisins and cooked fruit, and turns very dry in the mouth. The cherry fruit flavors turn hot and raisiny on the finish. ——S.H.(3/1/2004)—— 86