Pinot Noir Cahill Lane
2015
At Walter Hansel Winery, the emphasis is on low yields (which range from 1.5 to 2.7 tons/acre), precise viticulture and non-interventionist winemaking. Stephen Hansel (Walter's son) exercises strict control in the vineyards, producing beautiful - vineyard designated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. All of Hansel's fruit is hand-harvested. Stephen makes an average of 9 passes through each vineyard including one pass just to pull the second crop. Each pass is time consuming and expensive but Stephen...
See the WALTER HANSEL detail page for more information on this brand
The 2015 Pinot Noir Cahill Lane Vineyard is a bit more closed than the other wines in this range, but it also offers greater subtlety finesse and nuance. I expect the 2015 will need at least a few years to be at its best, but all the elements are in place for that to happen. Blood orange, white pepper, chalk and mint give the 2015 an attractive upper register that is beguiling. This is a superb showing from Steve Hansel.
See detailed press review