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2006 Walter Hansel Chardonnay Cahill Lane Vineyard Russian River
$ 36.99One of the two final cuvees to be released from the 2006 Chardonnays is the Cahill Lane, which displays hazelnut, honeysuckle, some buttered brioche and creme caramel notes, good fruit, richness, and depth, but given its quickly evolving style, it needs to be drunk over the next 1-2 years. This is a source for very fine Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs at some of the most realistic prices to be found in Northern California. Like several producers in the Russian River, the 2006s out of bottle from Walter Hansel Winery seem to be evolving quickly and, by-and-large, are slightly less impressive than they were at the beginning of their lives. Nevertheless, the good producers have achieved noteworthy success in this vintage, and certainly Stephen Hansel should be proud of what hes been able to accomplish in that vintage. Moreover, the 2007s look to be a return to the brilliant quality of the wines produced here in 2005 and 2004. Tasting through barrel samples of all the 2007 Pinot Noirs, this looks to be a superb vintage for Stephen Hansel. Yields were very small, averaging about 1.5 tons of fruit per acre, so these wines reflect a level of concentration, but with the overt fragrance and good acidity that the cool growing season provided. 92 Points, Robert Parkers' Wine Advocate, Issue 180
"Attractive, burnished gold hue. Fresh bread dough aromas with mixed grains and a hint of sherry. Soft brioche and tropical fruit flavors show a touch of chalkiness. Light toast, fresh acids and lemon zest cap the finish." 93 points - The Wine News, December 2008 "Richly colored in hues of amber and gold, with a toasty, full-bodied nose that offers maturity and depth. This Champagne is totally on the money, with ripe but reserved apple and citrus flavors, and then the slightest bit of mushroom and baked bread on the finish." 92 Points - Wine Enthusiast, December 15, 2005 "Opulent Champagne, this is saturated with ripe fruit, from white peach to white raspberry and lime. It's gloriously heady, yet the acidity keeps it clear and aligned. Old-fashioned rococo elegance." 92 points - Wine & Spirits, December 2008 "Fresh and elegant, revealing a graphite and citrus flavor profile. Shows finesse and a mineral and chalk quality on the back end. Beautifully refined and persistent, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2012. 41,000 cases made." 91 points - Wine Spectator, November 15, 2008 "The NV Brut Grande Reserve is an incredibly refined wine redolent of ripe pears, flowers and smoke. This mid-weight wine possesses notable elegance, with a long, refreshing finish that lingers on the palate with sweet notes of toasted oak. A fresh, vibrant Champagne, it should continue to develop nicely in bottle for at least a few more years. The Grande Reserve is roughly 46% Chardonnay, 39% Pinot Noir, and 13% Pinot Meunier, with the addition of 12% reserve wine. The cork is labeled C 7470, and this bottle was disgorged in late January, 2008. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012." 91 Points - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Issue 180, December 2008
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