Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Cahill Lane 2022

Russian River Valley, California

Vinous 93 points! (on the 2018 vintage)

Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Cahill Lane is a lovely single-vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Walter Hansel was a lifelong wine enthusiast who had the vision to plant his estate's original 250 vines in 1978. Today, Walter's son Stephen has taken up where his father left off, pursuing his vision of producing world-class Burgundian-styled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, all from the Russian River Valley. Practicing organic.

Cahill Lane is a vineyard-designated blend of 3 one-acre blocks that sit next to Stephen Hansel's house on Cahill Lane. The blocks are comprised of 3 separate French clones, and the vines yield a miniscule 2 to 2¼ tons per acre. This wine, more than any of the other Hansel Pinots, is known for its gorgeous floral aromas and dark, inky color. The fruit is hand harvested and manually sorted-once in the vineyard and once at the sorting table in the winery. 60% new French oak. Just 957 cases produced.

“A blend of 3 clones, clone 114, clone 115, and the Rochioli Pommard clone, are grown each on its own one acre site. The vines were planted in 1989 and are in their peak, quality wise. The Rochioli pommard and the clone 115 contribute red berry and cherry flavors and the clone 114 adds a dimension of herbal flavors giving Cahill Lane an Old world character.”—Stephen Hansel

Enjoy Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Cahill Lane over the next 8-10 years with roast pork, grilled salmon, ratatouille and aged cheeses.