Walter Hansel 2022 Pinot Noir “Cuvee Alyce” Russian River Valley 95 Points

Vineyard: Cuvee Alyce Pinot Noir is named after the matriarch of the Hansel Family. Cuvee Alyce comes from a vineyard planted with Dijon clones 115, 777, and 943 and has small yields of one ton of fruit per acre. The heavy clay soils produce a deep, rich, full-bodied Pinot with deep color saturation. 

Vinous 95 Points: The 2022 Pinot Noir Cuvee 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. 

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points: “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.”