David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Tonight’s sipper is really beautiful. I found the 06 Walter Hansel Cahill after pairing & pouring their 08 a few weeks ago at Hedy’s Plate & Bottle dinner here at the house.

The 08 was really good but, this is even better. Much brighter, not as dark. A wine to pair or enjoy on its own. While the 08 shined better with food.

On the nose; bright, ripe cherries, raspberries, poached strawberries, softened blackberries, blue floral fruits, hint of rhubarb with a touch of brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, touch of nutmeg, medium dark spice, wood shavings, limestone, dry clay mixed with dry, powdery top soil, just a whiff of dry herbs, fresh red flowers & roses.

The palate is medium full and nicely resolved. It’s just a shade the other side of its top peak. Beautiful texture and mouthfeel. The wine is completely seamless wire to wire. Bright, ripe cherries, raspberries, poached strawberries, blackberries reduced, blue floral fruits, hint of rhubarb & pomegranate extract. Slightly burnt brown sugar, red vines, cherry cola, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, touch of nutmeg, medium dark spice, wood shavings, dry stems, limestone, dry clay mixed with dry, powdery top soil, just a whiff of dry herbs, fresh red flowers & roses. The acidity rains on the palate. The structure, length, tension and balance are in perfect harmony. The long, elegant, well balanced finish is beautiful and lasts minutes.

Photos of; Walter Hansel winery & restaurant, Pinot freshly harvested and headed to the WH winery, Stephen Hansel in the vineyard and one of beautiful Sonoma vineyards.

One producer note, Stephen was mentored by Tom Rochioli, who helped him in the early years of his winemaking, which began out of a garage! — a day ago

Shay A

9.3

Never heard of this producer? Burgundian. Spice, herbs, peppercorn and a black raspberry core. Tinge of green, but not in the way that is off putting...more just a part of this wine’s lean structure. A red and black fruit medley emerges after time in the glass. Whole cluster going on here for sure. Very cool. — a day ago

with Dan and Trent

Andy Demaree

9.4

Like the rest of the 2012 zins from Carlisle, this is drinking very well at the moment. Terrific layers of dark blue and sweet red fruits, a sprinkling of warm spice top notes, and a long, succulent finish. This in a fantastic wine. — 7 days ago

Roman Sukley

9.3

2012 Cirq "Treehouse Vineyard" Russian River Pinot Noir from an amazing red-soiled Vineyard at an elevation of approximately 750 feet. I like to think of it as a more elegant Kosta Browne. Flowery, raspberry nose giving way to rose petal, cola, chocolate covered cherries and licorice on the mid palate. Vibrant acidity. Nice texture. Beautiful finish. Best showing to date, but I would say leave it in the cellar for a while. Built for aging, me thinks. Personally, I can’t wait to taste Michael’s new venture. Very talented winemaker. — 17 hours ago

Shay A

9.4

Probably my surprise of the night. Would have never guessed it was 14yrs young. Very youthful. Deep red in the glass with explosive aromatics full of rhubarb pie, lingonberry, black tea and nutmeg. Nice acidity carrying this. Secondary notes of sandalwood, herbal spice and tar. — a day ago

with Dan, Mark and 1 other

Joshua Fisher

9.1

Nothing’s gonna change until there are more pictures of American wine held in work gloves instead of wine held by models like they were holding perfume bottles Maybe you know what I’m saying . Maybe you don’t. — 7 days ago

Shay A

9.3

Couldn’t end on a bad note, so trusty ‘ol Spoto made an appearance. Spoto wines are such a cool, unique and small production winery...every wine I’ve had has been fantastic. Some typical RRV traits were here like raspberry, black cherry cola and cedar but this is no high octane/extracted Pinot...really nice balance. Some definite spice here with a gripping finish. I’d say this is best enjoyed now and over the next few years. Thanks Mark! — 3 days ago

with Mark

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.3

First winery on day two in Sonoma was Donelan Family Wines in Santa Rosa with Meredith. The last Rhone varietal red was the Walker Vine Hill Syrah. Sadly we were told that this was the last vintage that will be produced. This bottling is made up of 100% Syrah and is around 40-50% whole cluster fermented then aged for 20 months in 25% new French oak. 1,025 cases produced.

Insanely dark and inky purplish ruby red, completely coats the glass. Dark berries on the start of the nose followed up by cinnamon, cocoa, blueberries and some dustiness. Medium plus tannins (7/10) with a full body. Rich and layered palate with red currants, red plums, even a touch of blue fruits and some solid minerality. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2028. (93+)

$$$ - Tasted at the winery. Retail price is $75.00. — 3 months ago

with India

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Pale yellow with pleasing aromas of citrus and peaches. One of the few barrel fermented Sauvignon Blanc's which adds a wonderful toasty oak flavor setting this wine apart from the rest. Complex palate of flavors, fresh fruit, lemons, grapefruit, peaches and Asian pears. Slight earthiness with a smooth and creamy well balanced finish ending with a gentle sweet character. — 8 days ago

Andy Demaree

9.2

Dehlinger cabs always seem to hit the spot, especially with at least a decade on them. This one might still be on the upswing, given the tannins in the finish. Terrific. — 3 days ago