2005 Hanzell Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, Sonoma Valley  1 SIGNED 3 LITER BOTTLE

Winemaker's Notes:

The result of the unique growing season and the evolution of the winemaking is a wine that has a powerful and nuanced aromatic presence and retains the structural elements that have predicated the cellar-worthiness of Hanzell Pinot Noir.

Tea leaf, cigar tobacco, espresso, blackberry, cured meat and wet cedar give this vintage a dark aromatic tone. The aroma gives the impression of a warm, humid forest, rather than the dry mineral signature of previous vintages. A firm grip from the abundant tannin holds the palate tightly and provides endurance to the deceptively lush feel.

Private Tour & Wine Library Tasting for Six

Hanzell Vineyards, located in the hills above Sonoma Valley, is a private estate winery and vineyard founded in 1957 by Ambassador J.D Zellerbach.  The ambassador’s passion for the great wines of Burgundy prompted his planting of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines.  Hosted by their estate educator, they will lead six guests through the original Ambassador’s 1953 Vineyard, the 1976 de Brye Vineyard and the recently planted 2001 Ramos Vineyard.  A discussion of our Grand Cru farming practices and the contribution terroir makes to our wine quality is followed by a walk through the historic Heritage Winery building, new state-of-the-art winery and barrel-aging cave.This unique experience includes a seated tasting for six, in which our estate educator opens rare vintages from our wine library.  Four wines will be tasted:  the current release Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and one bottle of each varietal from selected vintages of at least a decade earlier.  This visit provides the best experience Hanzell offers:  Ambassador’s 1953 Vineyard, the Heritage Winery, our barrel-aging cave and the profound pleasure of tasting well-cellared Hanzell Wines.