Wine Article
2005 Walter Hansel Winery Chardonnay The North Slope Vineyard
Last edited on 1/30/2008 by simba-mk@cox.net
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Walter Hansel was a lifelong wine enthusiast who had the vision to plant 250 vines in 1978. Stephen Hansel, Walter’s son, planted additional acres in the late 1980’s and began marketing wine in 1998. New vineyards and a new wine making facility were added at the family’s estate in 1999.
Our first commercial vintage, 1996, produced 70 cases of Pinot Noir and 350 cases of Chardonnay. In 1999 we expanded to 1,400 Chardonnay and 1,200 Pinot Noir, all from estate vineyards.
Since 2002 we have not purchased grapes and expect to produce 4,500 cases of Pinot Noir and 5,000 Chardonnay.
We currently produce four vineyard designated Chardonnay's and five vineyard designated Pinot Noir’s. These wines all vary in flavors, acid content, and to a lesser degree, texture. They are an expression of their individual soils, environment and clones. Our vineyard designated wines are usually produced in quantities ranging from 100-750 cases. Our estate wines are a blend of all clones and usually produced in the 1,200 case range.
“You don't find guys like Stephen Hansel in the wine business very often. He owns several car dealerships in Sonoma, and wine is just his “little” hobby. Even with all the high scores and press lately, his prices have remained incredibly low. Plus, he doesn't plan on raising his prices, or increasing production. We love it! We recently met Stephen at a wine event in San Francisco, he is so modest about his own wines, and was very interested in the DRC and Leroy we had on display. He obviously has a real passion for Burgundy, and it shows in the wines he crafts, both the Chardonnays and the Pinot Noirs.”
“Robert Parker agrees: “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. Known locally as a major car dealer, Hansel founded the winery in 1978 and now owns over 80 acres under vine. These are all noteworthy cuvees that remain somewhat under the radar. Moreover, prices remain unbelievably fair for wines of such quality.”
Newsletter, Benchmark Wine Group
Stephen Hansel enjoys talking with wine lovers and suggesting the best wine for their tastes. He therefore encourages fine wine lovers to call to order Walter Hansel Wines or find out what stores and restaurants currently carry Walter Hansel Wines.
Winery tours are available by appointment only. Stephen can be reached at 707-525-3614.
Our first commercial vintage, 1996, produced 70 cases of Pinot Noir and 350 cases of Chardonnay. In 1999 we expanded to 1,400 Chardonnay and 1,200 Pinot Noir, all from estate vineyards.
Since 2002 we have not purchased grapes and expect to produce 4,500 cases of Pinot Noir and 5,000 Chardonnay.
We currently produce four vineyard designated Chardonnay's and five vineyard designated Pinot Noir’s. These wines all vary in flavors, acid content, and to a lesser degree, texture. They are an expression of their individual soils, environment and clones. Our vineyard designated wines are usually produced in quantities ranging from 100-750 cases. Our estate wines are a blend of all clones and usually produced in the 1,200 case range.
“You don't find guys like Stephen Hansel in the wine business very often. He owns several car dealerships in Sonoma, and wine is just his “little” hobby. Even with all the high scores and press lately, his prices have remained incredibly low. Plus, he doesn't plan on raising his prices, or increasing production. We love it! We recently met Stephen at a wine event in San Francisco, he is so modest about his own wines, and was very interested in the DRC and Leroy we had on display. He obviously has a real passion for Burgundy, and it shows in the wines he crafts, both the Chardonnays and the Pinot Noirs.”
“Robert Parker agrees: “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. Known locally as a major car dealer, Hansel founded the winery in 1978 and now owns over 80 acres under vine. These are all noteworthy cuvees that remain somewhat under the radar. Moreover, prices remain unbelievably fair for wines of such quality.”
Newsletter, Benchmark Wine Group
Stephen Hansel enjoys talking with wine lovers and suggesting the best wine for their tastes. He therefore encourages fine wine lovers to call to order Walter Hansel Wines or find out what stores and restaurants currently carry Walter Hansel Wines.
Winery tours are available by appointment only. Stephen can be reached at 707-525-3614.