Walter Hansel 2019 Pinot Noir South Slope Russian River Valley

Robert Parker 92 Points: “The 2019 Pinot Noir The South Slope Vineyard is one of the deeper, earthier wines in the range. Wild cherry, tobacco, cedar, dried autumn leaves and iron bring out a more virile side of Pinot. There is a good bit of density, but in the laid-back style of the vintage here.”

Winemaker Notes: “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 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 (their highest yields). It is 100% French clone 777, and tends to show it’s earthy side far more then their other clones. Although this wine definitely has a French origin, each year it becomes more and more new world.”