Hahn Pinot Noir is made in the coastal mountains of Monterey, California. Specifically, the grapes are sourced from six estate vineyards owned and operated by Hahn Family Wines. Four of these vineyards are located in the Santa Lucia Highlands, covering a total of 650 acres, while the remaining two are situated in Arroyo Seco, spanning 450 acres.
The Santa Lucia Highlands is known for its ideal climate and terroir for growing Pinot Noir grapes. The cool, foggy mornings and warm, sunny afternoons create a perfect balance for these delicate grapes to develop their flavors and aromas. The region's well-draining soil, composed of decomposed granite and limestone, adds further complexity to the wines.
On the other hand, Arroyo Seco is characterized by a slightly warmer climate, with gravelly alluvial soils. This unique combination of climate and soil imparts distinct characteristics to the Pinot Noir grapes grown here, resulting in wines with a different expression compared to those from the Santa Lucia Highlands.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting and experiencing Hahn Pinot Noir from both regions. Each vineyard site brings its own personality to the wines, allowing for a diverse range of flavors and styles. The Santa Lucia Highlands vineyards often produce Pinot Noir with bright red fruit flavors, elegant structure, and vibrant acidity. On the other hand, the wines from Arroyo Seco tend to exhibit riper fruit flavors, with a slightly richer and rounder mouthfeel.
It is fascinating to witness how the specific location of a vineyard can greatly influence the character of the wine it produces. The coastal influence, combined with the unique soil compositions, truly showcases the terroir of Monterey in Hahn Pinot Noir.
Hahn Pinot Noir is made in the coastal mountains of Monterey, California. The grapes are sourced from six estate vineyards, four of which are located in the Santa Lucia Highlands and two in Arroyo Seco. The distinct microclimates and soil types of each vineyard contribute to the diverse range of flavors and styles found in Hahn Pinot Noir.