2003 Walter Hansel Winery Pinot Noir Estate (92 pts)

Stupendously good wine. It does need some vigorous decanting though to get rid of the CO2 that is in the bottle very heavily. Once the CO2 is gone, this wine is all about lovely red fruit, perfumed aromatics (and some nive funk), ample structure and a long finish. Although I think this wine is drinking beautifully right now, I think it will improve for another 2-3 years and hold for 3-7 years after that. One of the few CA Pinots I feel comfortable saying that the ageing profile and flavor profile at maturity will be more similar to Burgundy at full maturity than to typical RRV Pinot.

When I first tasted Stephen's Pinots from barrel, I was unsure about the 2003s, but my recent experience with them has been outstanding. A great vintage for Stephen and at the prices that are still available, the best QPR in CA for top Pinot IMO.