Medium ruby color; strawberry, cherry, raspberry, cranberry, earth, oak spice on the nose and palate.
Dry; soft tannins, moderate acidity. Light-medium body. Simple easy drinker. Hahn Family Wines is not a prestigious and expensive maker, especially at the entry level value wine that this is, but they do produce reliable and enjoyable everyday wines. This was the last vintage under the Hahn Family ownership; E&J Gallo purchased the operation the next year. 14.5% ABV
Hahn Family Wines was family-owned and operated through this vintage. Founders Nicky and Gaby Hahn came to the Santa Lucia Highlands in the late 1970s. The Swiss-born couple soon recognized the region’s potential for quality wines. Nicky Hahn said in 1988: “We all produce world class fruit from well managed vineyards. We deserve therefore our own recognition with our own premium price and marketable exciting appellation that wine writers can discover, laud and praise.”
The couple purchased Smith & Hook Vineyards, planted exclusively in cabernet sauvignon, in 1979. They released their first Smith & Hook cab the following year. In 1990, the Hahns realized Santa Lucia was better suited for cooler climate grapes—pinot noir and chardonnay. In 1991, Santa Lucia Highlands was awarded AVA status after heavy lobbying by Nicky. The Hahns continued to obtain Santa Lucia Highlands vineyards throughout the 1990s. They also opened a visitor center, the the Hahn Carmel tasting room in 2017.
In 2007, the Hahns turned over management of their operation to Philip Hahn after he had an eight-year career on Wall Street. Philip is the chairman for this vintage. Founder Nicolaus “Nicky” Hahn passed away in 2018. Co-founder Gaby Hahn earned law degrees in both Germany and France before focusing on wine; she pursues art appreciation and her own artistic efforts today. Hahn daughter, Caroline, holds a PhD in veterinary medicine from the University of Edinburgh and serves as an ambassador for Hahn Family Wines. In 2023, a year after this effort, E&J Gallo Winery acquired Hahn Family Wines.
Many of Hahn’s wines are sourced from the Hahn estate vineyards in the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey County. Likely, some of the grapes in this effort came from those blocks, but the California designation means Hahn sourced from other producers. That is a common practice, especially for wines in this price range.
Hahn Family Wines Pinot Noir, California 2022 is an appealing California pinot in this price range. Simple, straightforward fruit. Fruit forward with not much depth or complexity, but very drinkable and priced to be a solid midweek pour with pizza or comfort food, or as the second bottle in bigger evening. Especially nice for the price. Pair with turkey, chicken, duck. Pork chops, pork meatballs seasoned with herbs. Lamb. Lighter grilled steak. Italian pasta dishes, spaghetti Bolognese, beef bourguignon. Mushroom risotto. Cheese—aged cheddar, gruyère, gorgonzola, manchego. $12-14
