Reviews & Ratings

2003 Hanzell Vineyards Pinot Noir "Estate"

Winery: Hanzell Vineyards

Vintage: 2003

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Estate"

Wine Category: Pinot Noir

Grape blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Sonoma Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $87

Cases produced: 880

KWG Score: 88.7 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93.99-90)

Review date: November 5, 2006

Wine Review: In September 2006, we went to CA to review some wines from Sonoma Valley. One of our first stops was to visit Hanzell. Our second wine to review was the 2003 Pinot Noir. The bouquet of this wine has a huge burst of berries. On the palate the wine is very dry and slightly tannic. I found the wine to be complex with cranberry and currant flavors with a hint of chocolate. It was also very silky. The finish was pleasant and not too long. I envision this wine developing with time like all great Hanzell pinots. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Aromas of mountain strawberries and cherry are present, but this wine is far more complex than primary fruit. Over days, an opened bottle reveals intriguing layers. There is the venerable smell of the interior of an antique armoire, perhaps leather and tobacco too. At a certain point the wine shows an iron and mineral coldness that then passes to saffron and earthy depth. The fruit is persistent, but not dominant, as it changes from fresh ripe red fruits to hibiscus flower and tea flavors. The texture, although more supple than the previous vintage, is full and supports a long presence on the palate. Quite cellar-worthy: 15 years or longer.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Pinot Noir.