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We are fortunate to have many favorable reviews from professional wine writers; thanks to all of them and we will strive to continue to produce wines that they feel are outstanding, however, I feel EVERYONE is an expert of what they like. Your personal prefereneces should always guide your choices.
Recent comments from Antonio Galloni, February 2016, "It is refreshing to taste with proprietor Stephen Hansel. At a time when so many of the world's best wines are increasingly unaffordable for the normal consumer, Hansel has kept his prices decidedly reasonable. As I have written before, Hansel's wines epitomize what the Russian River does so well; namely rich, butter Chardonnays and forward, juicy Pinots. During my January trip I also enjoyed a delicious meal at the Walter Hansel Wine & Bistro, a California version of a classic French bistro. The food was delicious, but more than the cooking I was struck by an old-fashioned sense of warmth and hospitality that I have not seen in a restaurant in a very long time. Everything about Walter Hansel Winery speaks to class.
Other comments from Antonio Galloni from his February 2014 review entitled "Sonoma and Beyond": "When I think about Estates that embody the essence of the Russian River Valley, Hansel always comes to mind. Best of all Stephen Hansel has retained a focus on value. Simply put, these are some of the most consumer friendly wines readers will come across ANYWHERE in California."
I would like to include excerpts from Robert Parkers Wine Advocate from between 2006 to the present, because his comments mirror what we strive to be as a Company and what we want to provide to you, the consumer:
"This is an enviable winery run by Stephen Hansel with exceptionally high quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; that he sells at modest prices, which speaks to his commitment to serious wine consumers." Wine Advocate #227, October 2016 "Some of the best values in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir emerge from Stephen Hansel's winery in the Russian River Valley." Wine Advocate #221, October 2015"Combining quality with reasonable prices and Estate-grown grapes, you can't do much better than Stephen Hansel's chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. He has recently opened an excellent Bistro called Walter Hansel Wine and Bistro." Wine Advocate #210 Dec 2013
"I was quite taken with the wines I tasted with proprietor Stephen Hansel earlier this year. In particular, the 2010 Chardonnays have turned out far better than I expected. They are complete and beautifully balanced to a degree that is surprising." Wine Advocate #206 April 2013
"These are consistently terrific wines, seemingly regardless of vintage conditions. Moreover, they are reasonably priced, and wine consumers couldn't have a better friend than proprietor Stephen Hansel" Wine Advocate #187 Feb 2010
"This is a source for very fine Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs at some of the most realistic prices to be found in Northern California." Wine Advocate #180 Dec 2008
"One of northern California's "good guys" is undeniably Stephen Hansel, who fashions top-quality Burgundian-styled Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Tom Rochioli first brought these wines to my attention, and Hansel is now one of my reference point visits in the North Coast." Wine Advocate #168 Dec 2006