Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce 2023

Russian River Valley, California

Vinous 94 points!

Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce is a beautiful 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, Stephen, Walter's son, 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.

"We produce five estate vineyard designated pinot noirs and one estate pinot noir from a blend of our grape sites. Cuvée Alyce is blended from North Slope and South Slope vineyards. It pours a deep ruby hue and immediately reveals beautifully layered aromatics of supple leather, baked cherries, truffle, and crushed flowers. The bouquet is both savory and floral, offering depth, warmth, and quiet complexity. On the palate, the wine is rounded and harmonious within a graceful medium-bodied frame. A silky texture carries ripe red and dark fruit tones, while well-integrated tannins provide structure and polish. The finish is elegant and refined, lingering with notes of ripe cherry and subtle earthy nuance. A poised and expressive Pinot Noir, crafted with both character and charm—much like its namesake.”--Stephen Hansel

“Hansel’s 2023 Pinot Noir Cuvée Alyce offers terrific density and power, but it is also tightly wound at this stage. Readers should be in no rush. Time in the glass reveals a Pinot endowed with notable textural presence and fine balance. Cuvée Alyce is a blend from sections on the North and South Slopes planted on clay, where wines tend to naturally offer a good bit of breadth. This is impeccably done in an overt style that captures the essence of the Russian River Valley.”—Vinous 94 points!

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