2017 Walter Hansel Winery Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce Russian River Valley

The 2017 Pinot Noir Cuvée Alyce is pale to medium ruby-purple with scents of warm cinnamon, spiced cranberry sauce, orange peel, dried roses, tea leaves, warm earth, crushed strawberries, blackberries, saline and woodsmoke"so many layers! It's medium to full-bodied and floods the mouth with warm fruits laced with classy new oak spices. It has a frame of fine, grainy tannins and wonderful juicy freshness, finishing very long and layered. So good! 938 cases produced. Drink: 2021-2030. Review Date: December 2019

The 2017 Pinot Noir Cuvée Alyce is showing very well, especially considering its recent bottling. Dense, pliant and juicy, the Cuvée Alyce has much to offer. A rush of dark raspberry, pomegranate, blood orange, mint and wild flowers builds in a deep, beautifully layered Pinot from Hansel. Drink: 2021-2032. Review Date: May 2019