Walter Hansel Pinot Noir The South Slope 2022

Walter Hansel’s The South Slope is a compelling Russian River Valley Pinot Noir that balances old-world finesse with California depth and generosity. Sourced from the estate’s southernmost and highest vineyard site, it draws character from Dijon clone 777 vines planted 19 years ago, giving the wine both precision and energy. It’s a Pinot Noir that nods to Premier Cru Côte de Beaune, yet becomes more distinctly New World with each vintage.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 South Slope shows a deep ruby-red color that immediately signals richness and concentration. The nose opens with dark berries, raspberry, basil, roses, damp earth, forest floor, spice, leather, smoke, and tobacco, creating a layered and inviting aromatic profile. The palate follows with dark cherry, wild blueberry, strawberry, plum, cola, and wildflowers, all carried by silky tannins and a supple, well-knit texture. It is expressive and already approachable, but also has the structure and balance to age gracefully for decades.

Production
South Slope is Walter Hansel’s southernmost and highest-elevation vineyard in Russian River Valley, a site that brings freshness, concentration, and natural aromatic lift to the wine. The Pinot Noir is made exclusively from Dijon clone 777, sourced from 19-year-old vines, which contributes to the wine’s depth and focused fruit character. The vineyard’s position and cool-climate conditions help shape a Pinot Noir with both elegance and intensity.

Food & Serving
This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roasted duck, mushroom dishes, herb-crusted lamb, grilled salmon, and earthy dishes featuring truffles or wild mushrooms. Serve it slightly below room temperature, around 16–18°C, and consider a short decant if opening young to let the aromas unfold more fully.

Producer
Walter Hansel is a highly regarded Russian River Valley producer known for crafting site-driven wines that showcase the character of its estate vineyards. The winery has built a strong reputation for refined, expressive Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with South Slope standing out as one of its most distinctive vineyard-designated bottlings. Its consistent quality and vineyard focus have made it a respected name in California premium wine.

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