Walter Hansel Cahill Lane Pinot Noir 2018

Walter Hansel Cahill Lane Pinot Noir opens with aromas of cranberries, tobacco and a hint of orange peels. The light to medium-bodied palate is dry with a silky mouthfeel and great freshness. Red cherry, strawberry and vanilla spice flavours with a dimension of herbal flavours that give the wine an Old World character.

100% Pinot Noir. The fruit comes form Cahill Lane vineyard, which comprises entirely of "Wente Clone" Chardonnay rooted in clay soils mixed with sandy Goldridge loam. The vineyard is located in the Russian River Valley in California and is sustainably farmed. A blend of 3 clones: clone 114, clone 115 and the Rochioli Pommard clone. Each clone is grown on its own one acre site. The vines were planted in 1989 and are in their peak, quality wise. The Rochioli pommard and the clone 115 contribute red berry and cherry flavors and the clone 114 adds a dimension of herbal flavors giving Cahill Lane an Old world character.

Hand harvest and manually sort; once in the vineyard and once in the winery. After destemming, gravity guides the whole berries into open topped fermenters.

Ageing potential: Drink now or keep until 2030.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

 - 93 POINTS

The 2018 Pinot Noir Cahill Lane Vineyard is another stellar wine in this lineup. Here, too, I very much like the wine's energy and nuance. Ripe red/purplish fruit, blood orange and floral notes are wonderfully vivid. Medium in body and finely cut, the Cahill Lane is so enticing. In 2018, the Cahill Lane has an extra kick of citrus-infused acidity that gives cut and a closing burst of energy that is impossible to miss. Drink: 2022-2030. (Apr 2020)

  - 93 POINTS

 Medium ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Cahill Lane is scented of smoked cranberries, tar and tobacco with nuances of citrus peel and potpourri. The light-bodied palate is silky, layered and seriously styled with a gentle grip, great freshness and long finish. 801 cases produced. Drink: 2020-2026. (Sep 2020)