September 2, 2018 - Wines Enjoyed at Pre Labor Day Celebration and BBQ (Casa de la Mata - Chicago IL): Enjoyable but clearly long-in-the-tooth today, despite good density.
February 3, 2012 - I was fortunate enough to visit Hirsch last year and it is truly a magical place. Any pinot freak has heard of Hirsch for many producers make fabulous wine from the legendary fruit. When I saw these chards, I jumped. Bright and fresh fruit with bracing acidity. A bit of a balance issue on the finish, but otherwise fantastic.
May 21, 2011 - No formal note, but bright and expressive with rounded edges. Outstanding.
November 13, 2009 - Mellow golden color. Nose - vanilla, pear, some oak. Taste - more vanilla, pineapple, a little oak. Balance - excellent, low acidity is nicely balanced with the relatively low oak, letting the subtleties poke through. Far away from being an oak/acid/fruit bomb, it paired well with the shrimp and scallops prepared for dinner. I agree with the recent WSJ which regarded this as one of the better California Chardonnay.
December 21, 2008 - Nose shows precise fragrances of poached pear, some background tropical fruits, lemon zest, marzipan, brioche, and acacia flowers. Oak is only softly in the background. Palate is full bodied without heaviness, possessing a perfect amount of acidity to firm up this exquisite wine. I've had this several times now, and, to me, it is the best domestic Chard I've ever had.
June 30, 2008 - Tasted at Pinot Days SF. Despite this being a pinot noir event, this Hirsch Chardonnay was perhaps my favorite wine of the day. It was really quite exceptional with great fruit on the nose layered with a great toasty element as well. Flavors carried over nicely onto the palate with a really long finish. I didn't even know that Hirsch made chardonnay prior to tasting this. At $50, this wine is probably a little pricey and it is produced in fairly low volumes so it could be difficult to locate.
June 29, 2008 - Pinot Days San Francisco; 6/29/2008-6/30/2008 (Fort Mason): Tasted at Pinot Days. Quick notes: nice pear and citrus with fresh fruit finish. Good to Very Good.
March 20, 2008 - very well balanced exhibiting california with restraint