The 2006 Pinot Noir South Slope, made from Dijon clone 777, has really dropped a lot of fruit in a year. It is medium ruby, but the tart tannins and chunkiness of this vintage for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay seems to have taken its toll. This is on a quick evolutionary downturn and is best drunk over the next 1-2 years, as the fruit seems to be fading quickly. This is a source for very fine Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs at some of the most realistic prices to be found in Northern California. Like several producers in the Russian River, the 2006s out of bottle from Walter Hansel Winery seem to be evolving quickly and, by-and-large, are slightly less impressive than they were at the beginning of their lives. Nevertheless, the good producers have achieved noteworthy success in this vintage, and certainly Stephen Hansel should be proud of what he’s been able to accomplish in that vintage. Moreover, the 2007s look to be a return to the brilliant quality of the wines produced here in 2005 and 2004. Tasting through barrel samples of all the 2007 Pinot Noirs, this looks to be a superb vintage for Stephen Hansel. Yields were very small, averaging about 1.5 tons of fruit per acre, so these wines reflect a level of concentration, but with the overt fragrance and good acidity that the cool growing season provided.Tel. (707) 525-3614; Fax (707) 528-1310

The 2006 Pinot Noir South Slope, made from Dijon clone 777, has really dropped a lot of fruit in a year. It is medium ruby, but the tart tannins and chunkiness of this vintage for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay seems to have taken its toll. This is on a quick evolutionary downturn and is best drunk over the next 1-2 years, as the fruit seems to be fading quickly. This is a source for very fine Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs at some of the most realistic prices to be found in Northern California. Like several producers in the Russian River, the 2006s out of bottle from Walter Hansel Winery seem to be evolving quickly and, by-and-large, are slightly less impressive than they were at the beginning of their lives. Nevertheless, the good producers have achieved noteworthy success in this vintage, and certainly Stephen Hansel should be proud of what he’s been able to accomplish in that vintage. Moreover, the 2007s look to be a return to the brilliant quality of the wines produced here in 2005 and 2004. Tasting through barrel samples of all the 2007 Pinot Noirs, this looks to be a superb vintage for Stephen Hansel. Yields were very small, averaging about 1.5 tons of fruit per acre, so these wines reflect a level of concentration, but with the overt fragrance and good acidity that the cool growing season provided. Tel. (707) 525-3614; Fax (707) 528-1310