Walter Hansel, The Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Walter Hansel · California › Russian River Valley › United States of America

Red · Pinot Noir

Critics

91 /100

Reviews

professional

Vintages

No vintages

No vintage-specific entries have been added for this wine.

Community Reviews

Reviews

91.1

Avg Score

Highest

PnP at cellar temp. Similar notes from pervious bottle but this seemed more complex and firmer. Equally good the second day, with generous fruit hanging in. Seems near peak 91-92

2018 vintage

Drinking good. A little chemical on the bright end with the vanilla and cherry, but good depth, forest floor, mushroom. A good wine.

2017 vintage

subtle earthy red currant nose; sour cherry, raspberry, currants, cedar, forest floor, slight pepper: medium bodied, acidity on mid palate, smooth finish

2017 vintage

Delicious

2017 vintage

Needs more cellar time

2018 vintage

PnP - slow ox in glass one hour. Very floral, smokey aromas. Spicey slightly sweet cherry fruit. Very nice finish. Some tasters complained that it was too sweet...

2018 vintage

This wine is well-made an arguable one the best values in RRV pinot. I found the wine to be tight and on the crispy/tart side of things upon PNP. I recommend waiting at least 6 months or giving a 30+ minute decant.

2018 vintage

. Wine was fantastic after it opened up!

2017 vintage

Great QPR as ever. Tasty juice.

2018 vintage

Opened not decanted. Note of charcoal on opening with a dry, tight and astringent sharp berry fruit. Light to medium weight in body. Ends with a dry red fruit finish. Fair to Good. I realized after writing this the next day, that this was the vintage of the horrendous fires that year and they couldn’t get rid of the smoke taint.

2017 vintage

This wine was good, not great. Decanting it may have helped.

2017 vintage

I decanted this time and it made a big difference. The fruits got brighter but still had some dark impressions but more rhubarb like. the warmth I noticed previously did not hit me either. Not to say it wasn't there but this time not as obtrusive.

2018 vintage

Nose: Dark red fruits, plums, oak and spice Palate: Black cherry, black berry, wood and a peppery spice with medium plus acidity and a medium plus finish. Overall this is primary but well built. medium body with plenty of stuffing...my only nit is the hint of warmth on the back end but given the 14.5 abv not surprising. Enjoy!

2018 vintage

Another great Pinot from Walter Hansel

2017 vintage

This needs lots of air - it's young and needs cellar time. Save a few for later.

2018 vintage

First time tasting this wine, SO'd for an hour, med. ruby, beautiful strawberries, med. tannins, med. finish; delicious & fine showing for a young pinot, lovely with Peking duck, drink or hold

2017 vintage

Very nice wine and great PQR. Bright red fruit, medium body, nice acidity, balanced. PNP.

2018 vintage

Dark fruit, mineral water, good acidity. Not as good as the North Slope bottling.

2018 vintage

dusty burgundy red, medium clarity, silvery ruby hue Nose: black cherry, cigar, tobacco, silver, spice, black pepper, minerals, dirt, chocolate, touch oak Pal: black cherry, chocolate, tobacco, silver, spice, black pepper, minerals, cola, dirt, touch oak Feel: medium, savory, round Finish: medium T8 (could be a 9) almost like an MSD

2018 vintage

This wine rocks. Hits well above its price point. Great red fruit with roses, violets and other floral components. Balance, fine, smooth tannins, sophistication and class. Very nice wine.

2017 vintage

Quite wonderful

2017 vintage