2003 Walter Hansel Hirsch Vineyards Block Three Pinot Noir

Walter Hansel Winery is in Sonoma County near the southern end of the Russian River. The 80-acre estate was established in 1978 when Walter Hansel planted 250 vines on the property. His son Stephen planted more vines in the 1980s. The winery’s first commercial vintage of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay was in 1996. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay remain the estate’s primary offerings, and all grapes are estate grown. Some are vineyard designated. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that the estate “is a terrific source for sensational Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, made very much in the style of wines proprietor Stephen Hansel loves the most, white and red Burgundies….the estate has built a brilliant track record…”

Sonoma Coast AVA runs from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mendocino County in the north. It includes 7,000 vineyard acres and earned AVA status in 1987. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it gets double the rainfall of nearby inland appellations and the ocean gives the appellation a relatively cool climate. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can thrive in these conditions, and there are numerous producers making critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.