The flagship Pinot Noir, the 2007 Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce, comes from clones 115 and 777, and from the lowest yielding block of vineyards. Sweet black cherry intermixed with some forest floor, smoked herbs, and distinctive, almost truffle-like notes jump from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine. This is one of the most concentrated of the 2007s, but retains terrific acidity as well as sweet tannin, and offers a provocative, bold style of Pinot Noir that should drink nicely for up to a decade. (Not yet released)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