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Thursday, April 28th, 2022
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NEW WALTER HANSEL
Contemporary of Kistler, Hanzell, Dehlinger, Rochioli...
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Hey Artisans,
None of us want to be reminded about the devastating fires of 2020.
But, all of us need to start thinking about the void that's about to happen for California, Oregon and Washington wines when the current vintages out very soon.
I am not saying that you need hoard wine like toilet paper during 2020.
(I'm still confused about that)
I am saying that, if you want to enjoy your well-priced favorites for the next few years, you need secure them now. While supplies are lasting.
I just received the new 2019 Walter Hansel Cuvee Alyce Pinot Noir and North Slope Chardonnay, and they are simply sublime. What clear examples of how brilliant the 2019 vintage is!
Cheers,
—James Tran
- Unprecedented. These wines were never available through retail for over a decade.
- Three new stunning Walter Hansel Russian River Valley releases, all at lowest USA price.
2019 "Cuvee Alyce" Pinot Noir
93+ Points - Vinous
Rochioli Pommard Clones
$47.97 per bottle
2019 "The North Slope" Chardonnay
94 Points - Vinous
French Clones, Most Burgundian
$29.97 per bottle
2019 "Cuvee Alyce" Chardonnay
95 Points - Vinous
Hyde & Hudson Clones
$36.97 per bottle
- Only 399-1,018 cases of each made
- Founded in 1978 by Walter Hansel when he planted vines in the Russian River Valley down the road from Kistler and Dehlinger. Walter's son Steve Hansel studied under Tom Rochioli.
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"When I think about Estates that embody the essence of the Russian River Valley, Hansel always comes to mind. Best of all Stephen Hansel has retained a focus on value. Simply put, these are some of the most consumer friendly wines readers will come across ANYWHERE in California."
-Antonio Galloni
"This is an enviable winery run by Stephen Hansel with exceptionally high quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; that he sells at modest prices, which speaks to his commitment to serious wine consumers."
-Robert Parker
"Walter Hansel and his son, Stephen, planted their first Chardonnay vines in the Russian River Valley in the 1970s, and while their brand has become a benchmark, their operation remains resolutely hands-on and family-run. This is artisan Chardonnay with true Burgundian soul that remains one of the greatest values in California wine."
-Master Sommelier Ian Cauble
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2019 Walter Hansel "Cuvee Alyce" Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley
93+ Points - Vinous:
"The 2019 Pinot Noir Cuvée Alyce is a dark, powerful wine. Black cherry, plum, cedar, lavender, spice and menthol infuse the Alyce with notable depth. Dense and muscular, the Alyce is a decidedly potent, backward Pinot. All it needs is a bit of time to be at its best." (Jan 2021)
More Info:
There is a section of vineyard right in the middle of the North slope where the soils are very heavy adobe clay resulting in the vines struggling to produce a crop more than 1 ton to the acre. It is a field blend of clone 777 and 115. This minimal crop yield tends to produce wines that are big, rich, "over the top" flavors; perfect for "Alyce".
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Alcohol: 14.5% ABV
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Production: 399 cases
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Lowest price in USA
Only 36 bottles in-stock
Average Online: $50.00 btl
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2019 Walter Hansel "The North Slope" Chardonnay
Russian River Valley
94 Points - Vinous:
"The 2019 Chardonnay The North Slope Vineyard is creamy, open-knit and generous, as these wines tend to be. Apricot, mint, pineapple and passion fruit flesh out nicely, framed by soft, plush contours that add considerable appeal. The 2019 has softened quite a bit since I tasted it last year.
More Info:
This vineyard site slopes 40 feet South to North with terrific sun exposure throughout the day and into the sunset. This is a field blend of French clone 95 and clone 76. These wines tend to show their Burgundy heritage.
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Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
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Production: 874 cases
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Lowest price in USA
Only 36 bottles in-stock
Competitor's Price: $36.00 btl
Average Online: $35.00 btl
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2019 Walter Hansel "Cuvee Alyce" Chardonnay
Russian River Valley
95 Points - Vinous:
"The 2019 Chardonnay Cuvée Alyce is a total knock-out. Rich, ample and explosive, the 2019 possesses tremendous depth and textural elegance to burn. Citrus confit, white flowers, chamomile and light tropical notes lend an exotic flair to this striking, beautifully delineated Chardonnay from Hansel." (1/2021)
More Info:
Produced from the highest elevation and is a product of 3 clones; the Hyde/wente; the Hudson/wente and French Dijon clone 95. These clusters are extremely small and the berries are the size of BB's; offering rich and flavorful wines.
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Alcohol: 14.5% ABV
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Production: 1,018 cases
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Lowest price in NorCal
Only 13 bottles left
Competitor's: $40.00 btl
Average Online: $40.00 btl
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