April 7, 2023 - No contemporaneous notes. My second of two bottles. An excellent wine but as noted by others, it is fading, sooner than I expected. Lengthy finish, Not as concentrated as my last bottle. enjoyed over two years ago. Best after about an hour or so of air. So balanced, nuanced and "smooth" as my diner companion noted. Much lighter on the oak, compared to the 2019 Cambria Katherines Vineyard served alongside it; no surprise that the Hansel was preferred. My prior note about this being "Burgundian" in style was accurate. (89-91).
January 23, 2023 - 2017 Walter Hansel Chardonnay Cuvée Alyce
Cellared since acquisition from winery
PNP 1/16/2023
Deep gold in color with thick legs. A nose of vanilla, honeysuckle, and white peach.
Lush In the mouth, with flavors of vanilla, honeysuckle and a wisp of white peach. The acid was a little on the light side, but the finish was approximately 20 seconds. An unmistakable Russian river valley Chardonnay, that was pleasant to drink over 3 nights (vacuvined and chilled).
92 points.
January 13, 2023 - PnP. Beautiful gold. Very toasty aromas with some baking spices. Lots of dense, savory flavors featuring ripe stone fruits and honey. Long, complex creamy rich finish. At peak and not likely to improve. Drink soon!
August 29, 2022 - Great wine great value. Buy.
July 8, 2022 - Darker color, a bit off putting. Still enjoyable just not what I expected.
January 8, 2022 - Light gold color. Full bodied, rich and ripe fruit.Rather low acidity, but adequate. A little heat in the aftertaste. Lots of oaky vanillin notes.
I think this wine is ever so slightly over the hill and probably warranted a higher score a year ago. Drink up.
November 20, 2021 - Fragrant ripe aromas of honeysuckle with significant notes of vanilla/oak, lemons/limes and grapefruit. Golden straw/yellow in color. Medium bodied with a good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, lush, ripe flavors of lemons/limes, grapefruit & pineapple with minerals, spices, vanilla and a hint of oak. Lingering crisp finish. Drinking beautifully right now and has the fruit and structure to continue developing for several more years if cellared properly.
August 19, 2021 - Quality wine at a super low price point. Keep this on your radar.
August 8, 2021 - Continues as a house favorite with a wonderful QPR.
August 7, 2021 - Deep gold in glass. Opens up nicely with air and warmth, developed over 2 hours before and with dinner. Aged lemon, lemon, light pineapple, mineral, hints of brulee, barely, bit of pear, apple. Great acid spine without being overwhelming, full body and medium long finish. Was great with sea scallops, grilled tuna, fresh garden tomatoes, cucumber salad, greens. Enjoyed very much over dinner and bottle was empty too soon so it seemed on last pour.