2022 Walter Hansel Chardonnay The North Slope

The 2022 Chardonnay The North Slope Vineyard is composed of all Dijon 95 and 76 clones and comes, as the name suggests, from the top portion of the estate. On opening, the aromatics are opulent and leap from the glass with notes of toasted spice, a bit of gun flint, pineapple, citrus blossom, and orange peel. Full-bodied, it’s long on the palate with a good deal of persistence, a ripe feel, and a light saline and mouthwatering finish. It takes things up a notch and has a toasty finish that’s true to the house style. It will drink well over the next 5-7 years.