Walter Hansel 2021 Pinot Noir “South Slope” Russian River Valley 96 Points

96 Points Vinous:  “The 2021 Pinot Noir The South Slope Vineyard is a classic Stephen Hansel wine.  A rush of dark cherry, plum lavender, rose petals, 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 knockout!  ”

Winery Notes: “The South Slope begins at the highest elevation and the furthest South of all of our 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 (our highest yields). It is a 100% French clone 777, and tends to show it’s earthy side far more than our other clones. Although this wine definitely has a French origin, each year it becomes more and more new world.”