2003 Walter Hansel Winery Pinot Noir Estate (USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley)

My last bottle. Too bad. Smells of red fruit like cranberry and cherry juice. Some tobacco and leather on the nose with a good amount of funk. Super palate of cherry, berries, earthiness, peet moss, and leather. Finishes extremely well. What can I say...one of the best Pinot Noir producers in CA, and maybe the best for fans of Burgundy. Only caveat that the funk may be brett induced, so if you're brett-averse, I'd be careful. I like this wine, just liek I liked the brett-a-licious 1990 Montrose.

2004 Failla (Failla Jordan) Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch (USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley)

Ruby red color and nose of sour cherry, cranberry, Asian spice, and some tree bark. Good texture that is not overblown, but walks a tight rope to stay on this side of Zinfandel. There's a hint of raisiny flavors amid the kirsch and cranberry juice. Alcohol comes off as sticking out a bit and that's really the wine's greatest detraction. Finish is good. This is clearly a vin de plaisir that I don't think will make extremely old bones. Definitely for fans of new world Pinot.

2004 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley (USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley)

Much better...third time I've had this wine and it's fantastic. Solid fruit without being over the top...dry but not austere...earthy but not devoid of fruit...good acidity without astringency...it's just a perfectly balanced wine that is overlooked by many. Highly recommended.

2004 Walter Hansel Winery Pinot Noir The North Slope (USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley) (89 pts)

Dark ruby color. Nose of rose petals, plum, and raspberry, and citrus notes. Palate is dominated by red fruit flavors and shows a little orange zest. Finish has very nice length. Very good wine without a doubt, but this may be a little too fruit driven for my taste. I am missing the earth and autumnal flavors I am used to in Stephen's wines. This seems almost a little too clean and maybe even a little candied. Those that like laser-focused fruit will love this wine. For me, it's not quite up to par with Stephen's other wines, especially from the 2002 and 2003 vintages.