Walter Hansel Chardonnay "Cuvee Alyce" 2022
(Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California) - [VM 93] [JD 92]

About the Winery: 
Walter Hansel was a lifelong wine enthusiast who had the vision to plant his estate's original 250 vines down the road from Kistler and Dehlinger in 1978. Today, Stephen, Walter's son - who studied under Tom Rochioli - has taken up where his father left off, pursuing his vision of producing world-class Burgundian-styled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, all from the Russian River Valley.

The winery uses only natural yeast during fermentation. Fining and filtration are minimal. The Pinots are held on the lees without racking for 12 months. The Chardonnays are whole cluster fermented and gently pressed to extract the juice. The cooperage varies from year-to-year, but none of the wine is aged on entirely new oak. One and two-year-old barrels are always employed.

About the Vineyard:
Produced from the highest elevation and is a product of 3 clones; the Hyde/wente; the Hudson/wente and French Dijon clone 95. These clusters are extremely small and the berries are the size of BB's; offering rich and flavorful wines. My Mom, Alyce, was an exciting Lady with over-the-top energy and appeal. This wine takes after her.

"Alyce was the life of the party." - Stephen Hansel