2023 Walter Hansel ‘North Slope’ Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

JD93 The 2023 Pinot Noir The North Slope Vineyard reveals a more introspective and darker tone in the glass. It pours a ruby/magenta hue and is enveloping with notes of polished leather, ripe cherries, lavender perfume, and mossy earth. While medium-bodied, it fills the palate with a more expansive feel, ripe tannins that flesh out, and dark mineral notes building on the finish. It’s a more commanding wine in the range that will benefit from another year or so in cool cellars. Drink 2026-2036.
VIN91-93 The 2023 Pinot Noir The North Slope Vineyard is supple, open-knit and quite delicious. Black cherry, plum, mocha, spice, new leather and licorice all meld together as succulent contours wrap it up in style. The North Slope offers tons of immediacy. Clone 115 yields an especially dark, sumptuous Pinot.