When we heard that Stephen Hansel was looking to clear out some excess inventory of his artisan wines, our ears perked up. When we took our first sip of his 2023 ”Cuvée Alyce” Pinot Noir, we instantly knew it was a slam-dunk!

"Steve Hansel routinely turns out some of the most delicious wines in the Russian River Valley."
- Antonio Galloni, January 2026

Today, we bring you this 94-Point rated beauty for a special blowout price. Scroll down for the tasting notes, and for an equally hot deal on Stephen's 2023 ”Cuvée Alyce” Chardonnay, then pounce on the Big Green Button while our supplies last!

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2023 Walter Hansel ”Cuvée Alyce” Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California
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Unmistakable as Russian River Pinot, the 2023 Cuvée Alyce pops with bold aromas and flavors of dark mixed berries, baking spices, wet river stone minerality, red florals, and lovely notes of toast and cola from the very first sip.

Named after the winemaker’s life-of-the-party mom, this decadent Pinot Noir is primarily from fruit planted on a block of the Hansel's North Slope Vineyard, whose heavy clay soils stress the vines and intensify the flavors. The result is a powerful and rich Pinot Noir that is an absolute ton of fun.

Pure and concentrated, it earns a smiling 93 points on the Vin Chicago scale and even bigger 94-point ratings from Antonio Galloni and Jeb Dunnuck...

“Hansel’s 2023 Pinot Noir Cuvée Alyce offers terrific density and power, but it is also tightly wound at this stage. Readers should be in no rush. Time in the glass reveals a Pinot endowed with notable textural presence and fine balance. Cuvée Alyce is a blend from sections on the North and South Slopes planted on clay, where wines tend to naturally offer a good bit of breadth. This is impeccably done in an overt style that captures the essence of the Russian River Valley. Drinking Window: 2026 - 2035."
          - 94 Points, Vinous - Antonio Galloni (1/2025)

“The 2023 Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce pours a deep ruby color and is layered with aromas of leather, baked cherries, truffle, and crushed flowers. The palate is rounded, with a medium-bodied frame, a silky texture, ripe tannins, and an elegant, ripe finish. It has a more supple and pliant feel and is approachable now or over the coming 10 years. Maturity: 2025 - 2035."
          - 94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck (7/2/2025)

Release price is $51. At nearly 30% less, today's price beats every single one of the 31 online listings. Supply is limited, click quick!

Vin Chicago Price: 35.99

Plus Big Savings on Hansel's "Cuvée Alyce" Chardonnay

2023 Walter Hansel ”Cuvée Alyce” Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California
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Coming from the highest elevation vineyard on the estate, the 2023 ”Cuvée Alyce” Chardonnay was fermented and aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, a quarter of which were new. Light on its feet, there is plenty of creamy texture and richness here, along with a lovely personality featuring notes of sautéed apple, preserved lemon, brown butter, brioche, toasted hazelnut and crème brûlée. 

These notes from Antonio Galloni and Jeb Dunnuck perfectly capture what we found as we sipped this boutique Russian River Valley Chardonnay over the course of a few days… 

“The 2023 Chardonnay Cuvée Alyce emerges from the highest-elevation section of the vineyard and is planted with an assortment of clones, including Hyde Wente, Hudson Wente and Clone 95. Oily and textured in the glass, the Alyce offers lovely textural resonance within the context of the year. Orange confit, crème brûlée, spice and a kiss of French oak linger as the 2023 blossoms with air. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2030."
          - 92 Points, Vinous - Antonio Galloni (1/2025)

“The last of Hansel's whites, the 2023 Chardonnay Cuvee Alyce offers more clarity in the range and is lifted with notes of preserved lemon, apricot, honeycomb, and wet stones. It's full-bodied, with a weightless, silky texture and elegant notes of hazelnut coaxing through the palate. It's a very strong offering that should improve over the next few years. Drink 2025-2032. Maturity: 2025 - 2032."
          - 92 Points, Jeb Dunnuck (7/2/2025)

Both Vinous and Jeb Dunnuck quote $40. Today's move-it-out price beats all 52 online listings!

Vin Chicago Price: 28.99