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

About the Winery:
Walter Hansel was a lifelong wine enthusiast who had the vision to plant his estate's original 250 vines in 1978. Today, Stephen, Walter's son, 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. 

There is a section of vineyard right in the middle of the North slope where the soils are very heavy adobe clay resulting in the vines struggling to produce a crop more than 1 ton to the acre. It is a field blend of clone 777 and 115. This minimal crop yield tends to produce wines that are big, rich, "over the top" flavors; perfect for "Alyce".

784 cases produced

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

"The 2022 Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce is a deep magenta/purple-tinged hue. A blend of Pinot Noir Dijon Clones 777, 115, and 943 grown on heavier clay soils, it has a spicier profile, with notes of black pepper, blackberries, lavender, and pine. Medium-bodied, it’s rounded and fills the palate with a generous feel, and it has darker earth notes and smoky incense on the finish. It’s going to show well over the next 6-8 years."  – Audrey Frick (Jun 2024)

93 Points - Vinous Media

"The 2022 Pinot Noir Cuvée Alyce shows the riper side of the year in its flavor profile, textural breadth and overall feel. Succulent dark cherry, plum, lavender, menthol and cloves fill out the layers, while polished tannins wrap it all together in style. For the first time, the blend includes some 943 Clone to complement the traditional mix of 777, 115 and 114 used in this bottling." – Antonio Galloni (Jan 2024)