Walter Hansel Pinot Noir South Slope 2021

Walter Hansel was a farmer who loved growing fruit above just about all other endeavors. Kiwis, cherries, pears, you name it. Eventually, that love led him to grapes and in 1978 he and his son Steve planted 257 vines of Chardonnay on the estate.

The vineyard was a true family affair. The family harvested together and made the wine together. That half acre was just enough for two barrels. Throughout the 80s, the family even primarily drank the wine themselves.

But that would all change when Steve took over the ‘winery’. Steve was good friends with the famous winemaker Tom Rochioli, who let him work a few harvests at Rochioli Vineyards to cut his teeth at winemaking. Then in 1996 – Steve made his first commercial vintage – in his garage!

The following 25 years saw the wines skyrocket in quality and achieve near cult status among the few people lucky enough to stumble across the winery and inevitably get a personal walking tour by Steve.