Product Overview
Walter Hansel produces five estate vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs. The South Slope begins at the highest elevation and the furthest South of all of their Vineyards blocks. It slopes from South to North about 45 feet and its 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 (their highest yields). It is 100% French clone 777, and tends to show its earthy side far more than their other clones. Although this wine definitely has a French origin, each year it becomes more and more new world.
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA
Vineyard Designation: The South Slope Vineyard
92 Points - Wine Advocate
"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. 1,081 cases produced." -EB, 12/19/19
92 Points - 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. " -AG, Apr/2020
