Walter Hansel Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2017

95 Points                                    Another beautiful small-production Pinot Noir from Walter Hansel who continues to make a small amount of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay down the road from Kistler, at unbelievably sane prices.  Stock up while available. 92 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Hansel's 2017 Pinot Noir The South Slope Vineyard is a very pretty and expressive wine. Spice, game, earthy notes, licorice and dried cherry give the South Slope its distinctly savory personality. Pliant and juicy, the 2017 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Today, the fruit is a bit in the background, while earthier qualities are more present than they were last year." 92 Points Robert Parker:  Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2017 Pinot Noir South Slope (all Dijon clone 777) has a savory nose of toast, dried leaves, pipe tobacco, dried rose petals, amaro and tangerine peel with a core of blackberries and cranberries. The palate is medium-bodied and silky with fine, grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing long... ...This is an enviable winery run by Stephen Hansel with exceptionally high-quality Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs that he sells at modest prices, which speaks to his humility and commitment to serious wine consumers. There are more than 80 acres of estate, so it is not small, split evenly between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. He breaks the cuvées down by their vineyard terroir/site"

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