Hirsch Vineyards Raschen Ridge Pinot Noir 2018 (750ML)

95 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 Pinot Noir Estate Raschen Ridge is rich, deep and explosive. In this vintage, the 2018 is so racy and expressive. Right out of the bottle, the Raschen Ridge is stellar. Crushed flowers, kirsch, red and purplish berry fruit and cedar all race out the glass. The interplay of fruit richness, power and structure is compelling. The 2018 needs a few years in bottle to unwind, but it is impressive." 01/21

95 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "Strawberry, fruit tea and a hint of tar on the nose. A full-bodied red with cherry, crushed flowers and stone. It’s firmly textured with integrated tannins. Very serious. Tight. Give it two or three years to soften. Better after 2022." 01/21

95 Points, Matthew Luczy, Decanter: "With ripe, succulent and velvety red fruits flavours, this is the most forward of Hirsch's 2018 Pinots. Herbal, beaming and energetic aromas continue from through to the long finish, which shows off persistent, elegant tannins. This expressive, livewire wine comes from high-density, 20-year-old vines at 480m – the highest elevation vineyards planted at Hirsch." 01/21

95+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com: "An incredibly Burgundian bouquet of spiced tart cherry fruit as well as leafy herbs, forest floor, and damp earth emerge from the 2018 Pinot Noir Raschen Ridge. A medium-bodied, spicy, lively Pinot Noir, it has terrific overall balance, a bright spine of acidity, and outstanding length on the finish. It’s not a blockbuster by any stretch of the imagination, but I love its overall tension, it has remarkable balance, and it’s just loaded with charm. Give bottles 2-3 years of bottle age, and I would not put it past this wine to keep for 10-15+ years after that." 07/21