Walter Hansel The North Slope Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, USA

沃爾特北坡霞多麗干白葡萄酒

點擊次數(shù)：3914

The 2009 Chardonnay North Slope is a bit more energetic and focused than Cahill Lane, even though the vineyards are just a few feet apart at the top of the hillside. Lemon, pastry, white flowers and subtle French oak come together nicely in this elegant Chardonnay. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. This is an excellent set of wines from Steven Hansel. The Chardonnays are fermented and aged in barrels for a total of 10 months with lees stirring once a week for the first 8 weeks. Hansel favors Francois Freres and Seguin Moreau barrels, typically 50% new for the Chardonnays. The Pinots are made with fully destemmed fruit and aged in Seguin Moreau barrels, 70% new. Like many growers, Hansel was affected by late season rains in 2010. The estate was very aggressive with leaf pulling, which then created challenges, especially for the Chardonnays, when the heat spikes arrived. The 2010s have lower alcohol and higher acidities than the 2009s, but they also at times have a bit of heaviness from the very low yields of the year. The Pinots seem less affected by the weather in 2010. Vintage 2009 was much more regular, and that comes through in the consistency of both the Chardonnays and the Pinots.Tel. (707) 525-3614; www.walterhanselwinery.com

The 2009 Chardonnay North Slope is a bit more energetic and focused than Cahill Lane, even though the vineyards are just a few feet apart at the top of the hillside. Lemon, pastry, white flowers and subtle French oak come together nicely in this elegant Chardonnay. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. This is an excellent set of wines from Steven Hansel. The Chardonnays are fermented and aged in barrels for a total of 10 months with lees stirring once a week for the first 8 weeks. Hansel favors Francois Freres and Seguin Moreau barrels, typically 50% new for the Chardonnays. The Pinots are made with fully destemmed fruit and aged in Seguin Moreau barrels, 70% new. Like many growers, Hansel was affected by late season rains in 2010. The estate was very aggressive with leaf pulling, which then created challenges, especially for the Chardonnays, when the heat spikes arrived. The 2010s have lower alcohol and higher acidities than the 2009s, but they also at times have a bit of heaviness from the very low yields of the year. The Pinots seem less affected by the weather in 2010. Vintage 2009 was much more regular, and that comes through in the consistency of both the Chardonnays and the Pinots. Tel. (707) 525-3614; www.walterhanselwinery.com