WALTER HANSEL 2009 CHARDONNAY
ESTATE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 750mL
ROBERT PARKER 91 POINTS - "If I were giving out awards for proprietors who combine remarkable humility with high quality, candidates for the top two spots would be Tom Dehlinger and Stephen Hansel. Stephen prefers his 2009s to his 2008s, primarily because they were easier to make and they have shown well since the first pressings of the grapes, always a reassuring sign of quality. Moreover, prices at this estate have not risen in over seven years and it is rare to see such reasonable prices for such high quality. The outstanding 2009 Chardonnays are all perfumed and French in style. All of them go through malolactic fermentation and are aged in approximately 40% new French oak with lees stirring and minimal clarification if possible. Hansel is also making wines from purchased grapes that sell for lower prices.""The 2009 Chardonnay Estate is a mixture of clones from Davis, Dijon and the well-known Hansel clone. It exhibits abundant aromas of white currants, brioche, melon, citrus oil and honeysuckle with a hint of orange marmalade in the background. Rich, medium to full-bodied, perfumed, elegant and pure, it should drink well for 3-4 years."
