2005 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir North Slope
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Tasting notes
Medium red. At once ripe and precise on the nose, with raspberry and cherry fruit aromas complicated by pungent licorice, Asian spices and graphite. A velvety midweight with deep, sweet cherry and dark berry flavors framed by fine-grained tannins. Finishes sappy and sweet, with a distinct cherry tone.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A blockbuster Pinot, the 2005 Pinot Noir The North Slope boasts deep, sweet, jammy black cherry notes interwoven with crushed rocks, flowers, and underbrush (or is it peat moss?). Medium to full-bodied, with excellent acidity, elegance, and purity as well as a savory mouthfeel, this terrific effort will provide immense pleasure between 2008-2015. Kudos to Stephen Hansel for keeping prices so realistic. Previously recommended: 2003 Chardonnay Cahill Lane (91), 2003 Chardonnay Cuvee Alyce (91+), 2003 Chardonnay Estate (89), 2003 Chardonnay North Slope Vineyard (90+), 2003 Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce (92+), 2003 Pinot Noir Estate (88), 2003 Pinot Noir Hirsch Block Three (90), 2003 Pinot Noir The North Slope (90+), 2003 Pinot Noir Three Rows (88?). Tel. (707) 525-3614; Fax (707) 528-1310