Walter Hansel 2018 Pinot Noir South Slope Russian River Valley
The South Slope begins at the highest elevation and the furthest South of all of their Vineyards blocks. It slopes from South to North about 45 feet and it's soils are predominantly sandy loam. The berry size is medium with a high berry count giving cluster weight that has yields approaching 2 1/4 tons/acre (their highest yields). It is 100% French clone 777, and tends to show it's earthy side far more then their other clones. Although this wine definitely has a French origin, each year it becomes more and more new world.
Vinous - 94 Points
"The 2018 Pinot Noir The South Slope Vineyard is a super-classic Russian River Pinot built on textural richness and volume. Ripe red cherry, blueberry, spice, mint and licorice infuse the 2018 with striking layers of nuance. A wine of substance and power, the 2018 is going to need a bit of time to unwind. It is maybe just a bit less refined than some of the other Pinots in the range, but it holds quite a bit of appeal, especially for readers who like big Pinots."
