Walter Hansel South Slope Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021 Red Wine

Walter Hansel South Slope Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021

Russian River Valley AVA, CA

96 pts. Vinous:

"The 2021 Pinot Noir The South Slope Vineyard is a classic Steven Hansel wine. A rush of dark cherry, plum lavender, rose petal and licorice are all dialed up. This boisterous, exuberant Pinot Noir has a ton of character. Plush contours wrap it all together in style. The 2021 will be nearly impossible to resist on release. What a knock-out!"

92 pts. Jeb Dunnuck:

"The South Slope Vineyard takes on a notably darker profile, and assuming its name is derived from the exposition of this vineyard, that comes as no surprise. Pouring a dark red/purple hue, in the glass it reveals more warmth and depth, with aromas of blackberry, pine sap, porcini, and violets. The palate is full-bodied, with more hearty richness, a meaty texture, and a rounded frame. With ripe tannins and a more grounded sensibility, it carries an earthier profile and retains a stamp of toastiness on the finish. Though I prefer the energy of the North Slope, this will certainly be a wine that Russian River Valley fans can embrace for a richer style. Drink 2024-2030."

We're huge fans of Walter Hansel Pinots. Try this one and you'll see why - beautifully crafted in more of an "old world" style, it's not as heavy on the fruit as most Russian River Pinots. There's a myriad of delicious flavors going on which keeps you coming back to the glass; with each sip you discover more! And OH, what a nose! An absolute beauty of a wine. Single-vineyard and also single-clone - 777. – Wine Factor

FROM THE WINERY

Vineyard:

South Slope Pinot Noir is from 100% Dijon clone 777 located at the southern tip and highest elevation of our vineyards.

Winemaking:

100% destemmed into open top fermenters. 5 day cold soak with 3 times daily punchdowns. Fermentation lasts an additional 10-12 days with 2 daily punchdowns. Once dry, pressed into 25% new and 75% one year old Francois Freres barrels. Malolactic fermentation complete in barrel.

859 cases produced

Bottled 1/18/23

Alcohol 14%