Walter Hansel 2021 Chardonnay “North Slope” Russian River Valley 94 Points

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: “A very attractive and floral perfume cascades from the glass of the 2021 Chardonnay The North Slope Vineyard. Displaying a bright yellow-golden color, it leads with notes of honeycomb, melon, incense, and lemon rind, and although it’s full-bodied, it reveals a more linear and elegant profile on the palate, with a silky texture and a mineral accent of wet asphalt. It’s a very pretty style of white with a graceful and savory finish. Drink 2024-2030.”

Vinous 93 Points: “The 2021 Chardonnay The North Slope Vineyard is a field blend of clones 95 and 76. It is one of the richest Chardonnays in this range, much of which can be attributed to low yields in heavily virused wines. Dried pear, chamomile, crushed flowers and a hint of tangerine oil all grace this rich, flavorful Chardonnay. The 2021 is a rich, heady wine. It’s a style that works so well here.”

Winemaker Notes: “This vineyard site slopes 40 feet South to North with terrific sun exposure throughout the day and into the sunset. This is a field blend of French clone 95 and clone 76. These wines tend to show their Burgundy heritage”