90+(?) 2010 Walter Hansel South Slope Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) 5/21/13 ($37)
14.8% alc
Color: Deep black cherry. (3.0) Bouquet: Sweet cola and black cherry fruit. (3.0) Body: Rich, silky mouthfeel. Light Heavyweight with concentrated fruit and very good acidity. (3.0) Flavor: Richer and more delicious than bouquet. (3.5) Finish: Spicy acidity lingers with the fruit. Long, but needs time. (3.0)
Overall: The fruit is concentrated and ripe, being slightly overbearing at first, but acidity supports more as it breaths. Give it a 2-3 hour decant for now drinking. Has the structure to improve in the next 5 years as the ripeness integrates. No rough edges even now, but could have more supporting acidity and complexity. Nonetheless, shows classic RRV style and excellent quality, but needs time to develop. (15.5)
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