Walter Hansel Cahill Lane Pinot Noir 2023 - 750ml

93pts Jeb Dunnuck

The 2023 Pinot Noir Cahill Lane Vineyard pours a bright ruby color and is very attractive, with an elegant floral perfume of black raspberries, violets, orange zest, and cinnamon. It keeps all its finesse, with a focused and medium-bodied frame, refreshing acidity, a refined, silky texture, and a mouthwatering finish. It’s a very charming wine that has wonderful energy to it now, though it will continue to drink its best over the coming 7-8 years.

Winemaker Notes

Cahill Lane Pinot Noir is produced from 30-year-old vines and is selection from three clones: 1500 vines of Dijon clone115; 1000 vines of Dijon clone 114; and 1500 vines of a Rochioli selection. The Dijon clone 114 tends to lend an herbal sense and the 115 and Rochioli dominate with a black fruit and cherry component.

Winery Notes

My father, Walter, loved to grow everything from kiwi to oriental pears and more. In the 1970's he enlisted my help to plant 257 chardonnay vines. Throughout the 1980's our entire family would harvest the half acre of grapes and my father and I would make the wine; filling two barrels, which equaled 50 cases of wine. Initially these wines were hard to drink, but with the help of my friend, Tom Rochioli, I developed a passion to understand everything about the vineyards and the process of making wine. This passion influenced my quest for growing World-class wines. Since our first commercial vintage in 1996, I have learned with every harvest that you must listen to vine; react to Mother Nature and ALWAYS compromise quantity for quality.