Hansel 2015 Pinot Noir The South Slope

Russian River Valley
Wine Advocate 94-96 Rating
Made from 100% Dijon clone 777, the 2015 Pinot Noir South Slope had the largest yields of any of the parcels in 2015, although still way below normal production. The deepest color of many of these Pinot Noirs, the wine has loads of damp earth, spice box and forest floor, this is a deep blue-fruited Pinot with a lovely texture, plenty of body, surprising concentration and richness. This is a stunner from 18-year-old vines. Drink it over the next decade or more. The 2015 Pinot Noir North Slope, 100% from Dijon clone 115, also performed spectacularly, no doubt because of the extremely tiny yields. This wine has a dense purple color, a gorgeously compelling nose of forest floor, spring flowers, blue, red and black fruits, followed by a full-bodied, layered and concentrated Pinot Noir that is as light as a ballerina on the palate, but at the same time, intense and rich. The finish just goes on and on. Drink it over the next decade or more. SP10-8