Walter Hansel The North Slope Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012

Date of Tasting: 30 December 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 14.2%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Russian River Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR35

Web: http://www.walterhanselwinery.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Professional Rating: WA - 94/100, AG - 92/100, ST - 92/100

Appearance: Ruby red

Aroma: Sweet red berries and spices

Palate: Rather rich medium-full bodied pinot. More fruit forward. Dark cherry flavour with fine acidity. Some spicy notes. Gentle and smooth tannins. Balance on the overall.

Nicely approachable Californian Pinot Noir. I had this with shabu shabu and sukiyaki. Food and wine supported each other well. Fruity palate but not too heavily weighted: more of feminine than masculine. To me, this is like a half-blood style of Pinot Noir: i.e. half Burgundian, half New World. Would not mind at all to follow this producer in the future.

Score Explanation

95+ = classic and extraordinary

90+ = outstanding in its class

85+ = recommended wine with some degree of enjoyment

80+ = drinkable occasionally

WA = Wine Advocate
AG = Antonio Galloni
WS = Wine Spectator
WE = Wine Enthusiast
JR = Jancis Robinson
DC = Decanter
JS = James Suckling
BH = Burghound
FS = Falstaff Magazine
ST = Stephen Tanzer
CT = Cellar Tracker Average Score