Walter Hansel "South Slope" Pinot Noir 2022
(Russian River Valley, California) - [JD 94] [VM 91]
Regular price $51.00 Sale price $46.97 Save $4.03
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.
At Walter Hansel Winery, the emphasis is on low yields (a miniscule range from 1.5 to 2.7 tons/acre) for greater complexity. Since all their grapes are grown on their own property, they can exercise strict control in the vineyards, which are planted with 5 Pinot and 5 Chardonnay clones. Each clone was chosen for its specific acid and flavor variations.
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, cuvée-to-cuvée, but none of the wine is aged on entirely new oak. One- and two-year-old barrels are always employed.
Only 405 Cases Made. 1st Time Offered in 11 Years!
About the Vineyard:
The South Slope begins at the highest elevation and the furthest South of all of our Vineyards blocks. It slopes from South to North about 45 feet and it's soils are predominantly sandy loam. The berry size is medium with a high berry count giving cluster weight that has yields approaching 2 1/4 tons/acre (our highest yields). It is 100% French clone 777, and tends to show it's earthy side far more then our other clones. Although this wine definitely has a French origin, each year it becomes more and more new world.
Ratings & Reviews
94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2022 Pinot Noir The South Slope Vineyard is made entirely from the Dijon clone 777 and pours a deep magenta hue. In the glass, it gives off a more floral perfume, with notes of violets, black raspberry coulis, sweet cedar, and mossy forest floor, and brighter fresh red fruit comes through on the palate. Medium-bodied, it reveals more focus on the palate, with a mouthwatering feel, and it has fine tannins and a light, salty finish. A very lovely wine, it’s going to reach its tenth birthday with ease if stored properly. 405 cases were produced." – Audrey Frick (Jun 2024)
91 Points - Vinous Media
"The 2022 Pinot Noir The South Slope Vineyard is one of the more delicate, ethereal wines in this year's lineup. Crushed flowers, sweet red cherry fruit, mint and white pepper give the South Slope notable aromatic presence and lift. This is nicely done." – Antonio Galloni (Jan 2024)