The 2023 Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce pours a deep ruby color and is layered with aromas of leather, baked cherries, truffle, and crushed flowers. The palate is rounded, with a medium-bodied frame, a silky texture, ripe tannins, and an elegant, ripe finish. It has a more supple and pliant feel and is approachable now or over the coming 10 years.

Hansel’s 2023 Pinot Noir Cuvée Alyce offers terrific density and power, but it is also tightly wound at this stage. Readers should be in no rush. Time in the glass reveals a Pinot endowed with notable textural presence and fine balance. Cuvée Alyce is a blend from sections on the North and South Slopes planted on clay, where wines tend to naturally offer a good bit of breadth. This is impeccably done in an overt style that captures the essence of the Russian River Valley. -Antonio Galloni