Hahn Archives - Briscoe Bites

08
Feb
2019

Hahn Family Wines Lucienne 2016 Lone Oak Vineyard Pinot Noir

categories: Booze, Wine

This is a continuation of my short series (trilogy?) of Hahn Family Wines’ Lucienne portfolio, stemming from my first, more-personal write-up featuring the Lucienne Smith Vineyard Pinot Noir. Unlike Doctor’s Vineyard, I’m not as familiar with Lone Oak Vineyard, even though I had tasted from this vineyard during my time at the Hahn Winery. According to the winery, the146-acre certified sustainable Lone Oak Vineyard is at the northern-most end of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Cooled by ocean breezes from the Monterey Bay, the morning fog lingers until afternoon winds pick up, resulting in a long, cool growing season. The vineyard is situated on east-facing slopes with elevations ranging between 180 and 500 feet, and well-draining ancient alluvial soils.

Ready for a tasty Pinot Noir then…

(more…)

06
Feb
2019

Hahn Family Wines Lucienne 2016 Doctor’s Vineyard Pinot Noir

categories: Booze, Wine

Last week I posted a rather personal anecdote about Hahn’s Lucienne Smith Vineyard Pinot Noir. This is another from that same label, this one hailing from Doctor’s Vineyard—a vineyard I’ve become quite acquainted with in my tasting around the Santa Lucia Highlands. During my time at Hahn Family Winery, we dove deep into what differentiates their various vineyards. The Doctor’s Vineyard isn’t the highest nor the lowest elevated of the estate vineyards, but is right in the center of the SLH AVA. Thus, it receives a bit more sunlight than other portions. And wider vine row spacing (11 feet by 7 feet) means these Pinot Noir grapes get quite a bit of sun exposure after the morning Monterey fog blows off. So what exactly does that all taste like?

(more…)

02
Feb
2019

Hahn Family Wines 2016 Lucienne Smith Vineyards Pinot Noir

categories: Wine

There’s been a lot going on and, yes, it’s been awhile since I’ve posted. I didn’t realize people would notice until, well, people started to notice. So thank you to those of you encouraging me to keep my private writing space up and running.

A lot has been changing over the last year. I’m now a full-time wine writer—so I am traveling, tasting, and writing a whole lot more. I’m busy constantly learning about all sectors of the wine industry, from the vineyard to the tasting room. I love it.

Please check out my updated About page. I’m also currently working on a page linking back to my professional work. For now, please Connect with me on LinkedIn where you can find current and past clips.

So, what exactly does all this personal stuff have to do with the Lucienne Smith Vineyards Pinot Noir?

(more…)

07
Mar
2018

In Memoriam: Nicky Hahn Founder of Hahn Family Wines dies at 81

categories: Booze, Wine

It is with deep sympathy that I report Nicky Hahn, Founder of Hahn Family Wines has passed at the Age of 81.

(more…)

20
Oct
2017

Hahn Family Wines 2016 Chardonnay

categories: Booze, Wine

It’s Tuesday and you want a glass of wine. It’s Friday night and you’ve just ordered a pizza and — want a glass of wine. It’s Sunday and you’re having a few guests over for brunch who may just, well, want a glass of wine. Casual, everyday situations call for a glass of wine, but you don’t want to necessarily open something “special.” You want to open, what I call, a reliable “daily drinker.” And here is where Hahn excels: While they produce some magnificently refined single-vineyard expressions of their flagship varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they also dedicate their simply stated Hahn line of wines to the daily drinker.

“I want to make wines that everybody enjoys,” says Hahn winemaker Paul Clifton. And, indeed, he does. From the elegantly balanced Lone Oak Vineyard Chardonnay under the Lucienne label, to the exclusive “tasting-room-only” Smith and Hook Cabernet — and this, supermarket staple Hahn Monterey County Chardonnay.