Looking for big quality in American wine at a really attractive price? Check out Hahn’s SLH sub-label, a pair of wines sourced from estate grapes in the Santa Lucia Highlands.

These both represent a bit of a premium over the standard Hahn bottlings, but as you’ll see, they’re worth it.

2013 Hahn SLH Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highands – Dusky at first, with blackberry notes and tea leaf. On the palate, a bit sweeter than expected, with black pepper and a touch of ruby port character, but a finish that plays beautifully to the blackberry and dark raspberry notes, with a dusting of brown sugar on top. Incredibly easy-drinking, maybe too much so. A- / $18

2013 Hahn SLH Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands – A restrained expression of California chardonnay, offering a nose that is front-loaded with fruit — apples and figs, oddly enough — before veering into more traditional lines with a body that offers moderate and creamy buttery vanilla notes. A measured wine, it keeps things balanced between the fresh fruit and sweeter notes, with a dusting of nutmeg on the finish. A- / $20

hahnwines.com

2013 Hahn SLH Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands

$20

9

Rating

9.0/10