Walter Hansel Winery Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Hansel Family Vineyards 2007

The 2007 Pinot Noir Estate, which comes from the Rochioli clone of Pinot Noir, exhibits sandy, loamy soil notes intermixed with sweet raspberry and black cherries. The wine is medium to full-bodied, displays noble ripe tannins, and good freshness. This wine should drink nicely for 5andndash;6 years.

Bright red. Lively redcurrant and strawberry on the nose, with suave mineral and floral qualities adding complexity. Nervy red fruit flavors are tightly wound, slowly unfurling to offer character. The lively, focused finish features clean red berry and mineral qualities. These grapes are all Rochioli clones.

Bright red. Deep, smoky and wild, with a complex bouquet of red berries, cherry, smoked meat and mocha. Chewy red and dark fruit flavors offer very good depth, with dusty tannins adding support. Finishes with solid grip and slightly chunky tannins. Seems backward and a touch rustic today.

The 2006 Pinot Noir Russian River also has the same pomegranate-like notes and a sweet nose of berry fruit intermixed with some dried herbs, earth, cola, and spice. The wine has copious up-front fruit, and seems to be a candidate for drinking over the next 4ndash;5 years.

Light, bright red. Spicy red berries and cherry on the nose, with a faintly medicinal aspect that fades with aeration. Pliant raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are given spine and lift by zesty minerality. Very fresh pinot, with a firm, focused finish that leaves bitter cherry skin and pit notes behind.

The 2008 Pinot Noir Hansel Family Vineyards (dry-farmed vineyards planted with Pinot selections taken from the Rochioli vineyards) exhibits crisp red cherry, sassafras, and autumnal, earthy vegetative notes, medium to full body, pure red and black fruits, and a heady finish. It should be consumed during its first 5ndash;7 years of life.

Light in color, but rich in flavors is the earthy, raspberry and cherry-scented (with a touch of spring flowers) 2006 Pinot Noir Cahill Lane. This has excellent ripeness, is plush and round, and should drink well for the next 5-7 years.