Located in California’s Monterey County, Hahn Family Wines is one of the first, largest, and most established winegrowers in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Founded 40 years ago by Nicolaus “Nicky” and Gaby Hahn, this
family-owned California winery is renowned for its six certified sustainable estate vineyards and highly
acclaimed wines.
From the start, Nicky realized that this mountainous region in Monterey County had every element vital to growing premium wine grapes: alluvial soils with excellent drainage, plenty of sunshine to develop rich, ripe fruit, and enough fog and wind to keep grape acids in perfect harmony. He recognized the area’s potential as a world-class wine growing region and committed to producing distinctive wines
worthy of competition on a global scale.
In 1988, Nicky pushed to define the unique attributes and boundaries of the Santa Lucia Highlands and in 1991 his hard work paid off; the region was established as an official American Viticulture Area (AVA). Throughout the 1990s, the Hahns continued to innovate and invest in their vineyards and winemaking facility. Understanding that the cool growing climate of the Santa Lucia Highlands was ideally suited for native Burgundy varietals Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Hahns replanted existing estate vineyards and purchased SLH vineyards, Lone Oak and Doctor’s, as well as nearby Arroyo Seco vineyards,
Ste. Philippe and Ste. Nicolas.
Hahn Family Wines employs sustainable farming practices and was one of the first Santa Lucia Highlands
wineries to have all estate vineyards earn SIP certification (Sustainability in Practice). Sustainable farming is more than adapting sensible practices that save water, conserve soil, cut down on energy consumption, and reduce use of pesticides and other chemicals. It is a never-ending quest, a way of looking long-term, past the span of our own lives, to make decisions that not only pay off today but will be of benefit for generations to come. In every phase of grape growing and winemaking, Hahn Family Wines is committed to sustainable practices to promote healthy vineyards, satisfied consumers, and employee well-being.
Today, second generation vintner Philip Hahn and his sister Caroline are at the helm, managing Hahn Family Wines. With more than 1,100 vineyard acres, ranging in elevation from 200 to 1,200 feet, they produce a portfolio of critically acclaimed estate-driven wines to suit any budget and tantalize every palate. The portfolio of brands includes Hahn, Hahn Estate, Hahn SLH, Lucienne, Smith & Hook, and Boneshaker. Several of these exceptional wines are paired with recipes in this book.
HAHN WINE TASTING NOTES
Hahn GSM
Enticing aromas of strawberry, black cherry, white pepper, and cinnamon.
On the palate, notes of raspberry, a hint of
cinnamon spice, along with strawberry and black cherry. Finishing with a smooth and luscious mouthfeel.
Hahn Pinot Noir
This wine’s bouquet charms with scents of vibrant red cherry, red plum, and hints
of spices with slightly toasty notes.
On the palate, medium silky tannins with a soft, round mouthfeel and notes of earthiness.
Hahn SLH Pinot Noir
Aromas of red cherry and strawberry with hints of earth, spices, and toasty oak.
An explosion of red fruit including
strawberry, cherry, and raspberry welcome the palate and finish with refined tannins and a soft mouthfeel.
Smith & Hook Proprietary Red Blend
Opulent aromas of black currant, plums, and blueberry pie greet the nose,
accompanied by hints of tobacco and leather.
The refined yet robust palate is multidimensional, showcasing flavors of dark berries
and vanilla, complemented by
velveteen gripping tannins, a savory, richly dense mouthfeel and lingering finish.
Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon
Vibrant aromas of dark fruit with hints of mocha, coffee, and toasty oak. Full bodied
and rich with flavors of ripe plum
and black cherry, the wine has a round, viscous mouthfeel backed with concentrated
tannic structure that carries through to a smooth finish.
Lucienne Doctor’s Vineyard Pinot Noir
The dry and slightly warmer climate here results in a riper, more robust Pinot Noir with layers of cherry and citrus fruits along with brown spice and tones of mushroom and earth. The wine’s balanced acidity and smooth tannins lead to a round, approachably soft mouthfeel and a lingering finish.
Lucienne Smith Vineyard Pinot Noir
Lucienne Smith Pinot Noir features notes of raspberry, cherry, vanilla, and toast carrying
through to sweet spice flavors on the palate. Soft yet structured, the wine is bright and fresh with
medium acidity and a smooth finish.
Lucienne Lone Oak Pinot Noir
Just 20 acres of Lone Oak are devoted to Pinot Noir, creating an intensely aromatic wine
with notes of citrus, cherry pie, toast, spice, and a hint of earthiness. The complexity continues on the palate with sleek cherry flavors, youthful balance, a round, soft texture and a long, structured finish.
Hahn Pinot Gris
Beautiful golden color with aromas of pear, citrus, lime, river stones, creamy melon, and grassy minerality. A thick and viscous mouthfeel is accompanied by flavors of tropical fruits, citrus and hints of lemonblossom, finishing with bright acidity.
Hahn Chardonnay
Aromas of pineapple, lemon zest, and toasty vanilla. Bright acidity welcomes the palate, leading to a perfect balance of tropical fruit and subtle vanilla toast flavors that culminate in a lingering, clean finish.
Hahn SLH Chardonnay
Hahn SLH Chardonnay greets the nose with citrus, stone fruit, and hints of banana and vanilla.
A viscous mouthfeel and medium acidity with hints of pear and vanilla.