Walter Hansel, Estate Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA 2016

These dry-farmed estate vineyards were planted from cuttings from the famed Rochioli vineyard, also in Russian River Valley, and in this vintage have produced a very intense, earthy wine with brisk acidity to balance the fruit richness and warm alcohol. Inviting aromas of cherry cough sweets and root beer lead to a supple palate of tangy summer pudding berries, sweet spices and herbal undergrowth notes.