IMG_4627I recently had dinner with owner of Hahn Family Wines, Philip Hahn, here in NYC at Trattoria ll Mulino. Here we explored the AVA Santa Lucia, which is in Monterey County California, as well as some Pinot Noir’s from the area.

A little history about Hahn Winery: 

During the 1790s, Spanish missionaries recognized the rare soils and great climate of the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey. Here they planted grapevines and nearly two hundred years later when our founder Nicolaus (Nicky) Hahn and his wife Gaby first purchased land in the Highlands, wine was a secondary concern. They first started with a farm!

Nicky immediately saw that the land he’d purchased was destined for greater things than grazing stock, and wasted no time. In 1980, the Hahn’s released their first wine from SLH (Santa Lucia Highlands). Eight years later, Nicky led the charge to establish SLH as an American Viticultural Area, a dream he saw realized in 1991.

Today, Hahn Family Wines, now run by Nicky and Gaby’s son Philip, owns and sustainably farms 650 acres of estate vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands. SLH enjoys worldwide acclaim for the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made there.

Bottle Shot Hahn SLH Pinot Noir 2013This was a comparative tasting of SLH wines and Hahn family wines. The 2013 Hahn SLH Pinot Noir reflects the ideal terroir that is complimented by the growing conditions in the SLH area more than any other black grape. Pinot Noir’s from the region offer soft tannins, plum and cherry aromas and flavors, and mineral qualities. Black berry and dark currant aromas leap out of the glass and allure you to try this particular 2013 Pinot Noir. On the palate are intense black fruit flavors with ripe plums and hints of allspice. The balanced acidity helps to highlight the soft tannins and long finish which makes it a perfect wine with food.

At Trattoria ll Mulino, we paired this wine (along with other PN’s) with Margherita Pizza, Bruschetta, and some Filet Mignon! I am now a big fan of Hahn Family Wines and recommend not only the SLH Pinot Noir, but also the Hahn Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Monterey County, as well as the GSM (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre) from the Central Coast. I guarantee these wines will be a big hit at some of your upcoming dinners and celebrations.