Announcing the release of 95 point Walter Hansel Chardonnay &  94 point Pinot!

Here is what Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate is saying about one of our newer Vintner Members:

“Combining quality with reasonable prices and Estate-grown grapes, you can't do much better than Stephen Hansel's Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. He has recently opened an excellent Bistro called Walter Hansel Wine & Bistro."  Wine Advocate #210

"I was quite taken with the wines I tasted with proprietor Stephen Hansel earlier this year. In particular, the 2010 Chardonnays have turned out far better than I expected. They are complete and beautifully balanced to a degree that is surprising." Wine Advocate #206

"These are consistently terrific wines, seemingly regardless of vintage conditions. Moreover, they are reasonably priced, and wine consumers couldn't have a better friend than proprietor Stephen Hansel."  Wine Advocate #187

"This is a source for very fine Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs at some of the most realistic prices to be found in Northern California."  Wine Advocate #180

"One of northern California's "good guys" is undeniably Stephen Hansel, who fashions top-quality Burgundian-styled Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Tom Rochioli first brought these wines to my attention, and Hansel is now one of my reference point visits in the North Coast." Wine Advocate #168

WINE MAKING PROCESS

Processes are done in a way that each wine is allowed to express its unique character; never compromising the wine's freshness, finesse or texture. They hand harvest and manually sort; once in the vineyard and once in the winery. The Pinot Noir is destemmed and gravity guides the whole berries into open topped fermenters.

The Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed into French oak for fermentation. The primary fermentation lasts 2-3 weeks and the maloactic fermentation can last until early spring of the next year. Every vineyard block is traced from the harvest bins to the barrel to the settling tank before bottling.

One of the most unique aspects of Walter Hansel Winery is that no one works full time in the Winery. When various tasks need to be completed, whether during harvest or during the rest of the year, the Vineyard Manager has some of his crew work alongside to accomplish the tasks.

The team works the winery; the bottling line, and also fills and ships orders. The significance of this is that when they are working the vineyard, which requires many tedious and boring tasks, they understand how these vineyard jobs translate into world-class quality wines. By working the winery and shipping the wines, they take ownership and pride in every bottle.

THE WINES

Sonoma's finest Chardonnay & Pinot Noir grown in the heart of the Russian River Valley! Robert Parker was blown away by the quality and consistency of the wines from Hansel Family Vineyards, and he found his wines to be particularly impressive:

 THE OFFER

Create your own offer. These are the best prices on the market.

2012 Walter Hansel Winery Chardonnay Cahill Lane - $32
2012 Walter Hansel Winery Chardonnay North Slope Vineyard - $33
2012 Walter Hansel Winery Pinot Noir Cuvée Alyce - $38
2012 Walter Hansel Winery Pinot Noir South Slope - $36

Orders will be filled by the end of July.

ORDERING

For all questions and orders, contact Assistant Wine Director, Mike Gargus. Let us know if you would like your wine shipped or placed in your wine locker. Sales tax and appropriate shipping will be added to all orders. Allow 2-3 weeks for account processing and shipping. During extreme weather, wine orders may be held until it is safe to ship.

Mike Gargus, Assistant Wine Director 
[email protected]
707.569.2958