Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Hahn Estate wines feature grapes sourced from estate vineyards in the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey County. A hidden gem, located below the Santa Lucia Highlands, these vineyards sit on a gravelly alluvial plain with rocky soils fostering excellent drainage. Cool winds channeling South from Monterey Bay through the Salinas Valley ensure gradual ripening, full development of vibrant fruit flavors and bright acidity. Arroyo Seco, one of the smallest AVAs in the state, boasts one of the longest growing seasons. In this region, warm and sunny days are followed by cool afternoons once wind blowing in from the Monterey Bay sweeps through the Salinas Valley. This daily cooling effect allows for longer hang times and creates ripe fruit.
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.