David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Not exactly pizza wine but, I bought six bottles of this 02 Williams Selyem for $35-$36 w/ tax & fees recently on the secondary market. I have enjoyed a number of their 02’s for many years…such a great Pinot Noir Sonoma vintage. Especially, for WS. I feel for the seller who actually barely might have broke even or even lost a couple of bucks on this sale after fees.

Still spectacular after 18 plus years in bottle. She is still strutting her stuff.

Visually you look at the color in the glass, it’s silty & cloudy.

The body is ripe, rich, smooth & shining integration. The fruits bright, somewhat candied, floral & showing shades of stewed. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, cherries, poached strawberries, pomegranate juice, slightly dry cranberries, raspberries with singing purple & blue fruits as it sets. Some dark, rich, dark forest floor with dry leaves & twigs w/ tree sap, vanillin, nutmeg, cinnamon, dark spices, notes of dry herbaceousness - bay leaf, sage & marjoram, black licorice, mixed berry cola, powdery limestone & dry rocks, just a hint of pepper, grilled, savory meats, fresh tobacco leaves, red, blue, dark flowers laid in a field of violets. The acidity is like a spring shower. The finish is rich, ruby, well knitted & balanced with length & polish for days.

Its subtle knock, a touch hot at the beginning with it fading in the second glass.

The 02 is singing with another 3-5 years of good drinking ahead. It’s new world with Burgundy threads.

For me, this WS Pinot Noir is seriously peaking. Best bottle of the 02 WS Sonoma Coast I have enjoyed over the 12-15 bottles I’ve had.

Definitely pushing 94. I stole these amazing bottles. Thank you universe. — 6 days ago

Ron R

9.4

The label was soiled when I received the order. I was immediately concerned regarding the contents. Happily, the wine was in pristine nick. Forest floor and cinnamon nose transitioned to the signature gnarly, textured dark fruit, smoke, and spice box presentation. I’m going to hold some of these Astons and see what happens. Intro’d to this by @Bill Bender, this has become my fave Cali pinot. Every vintage comes correct. — 12 days ago

with Anne-marie

Skip Smyser

9.0

Looking for a fine red wine when it's too hot for Cab? This could be the one. Great red fruit flavors that come thru the delicate light flavor. Very enjoyable 🍷 — 9 days ago

"Odedi"

8.9

Reddish in color with medium intensity.

Fruity nose with cherries, ripe strawberries, raspberries, light oak, vegetables, earth and spices.

Medium-bodied with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with raspberries, strawberries, bing cherries, oak, wild flowers, light vanilla, spices, dark chocolates, herbs and peppercorn.

Medium finish with soft tannins and tangy raspberries.

This young Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast is drinking nicely already. Fruit forward and easy drinking. Light and approachable.

This Single Vineyard is showing mild complexity with a nice mouthfeel.

After after an hour of airtime, it gets earthier, with some bitter herb notes. Would be nice to revisit it in 2 years.

Good right out of the bottle and good with food. I paired it with a charcuterie board of meats and cheeses.

A very small production of only 5 barrels.

14.2% alcohol by volume.

89 points.

$42. — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Totally unique single vineyard Pinot Noir. Like a hybrid of California and Oregon Pinot. Aromas of grape bubble gum (in a good way), black tea and cola. Brambly red berry fruit flavors with hints of mineral and violets. Bright acidity. Extremely luscious. Quite interesting. — 6 days ago

Jason Brater

9.2

Cherry, cola, raspberry, black tea, soft tannin. Really nice. Day 2 raspberries, black tea and black pepper w more pronounced tannins. — 4 days ago

with Heather

Allison Lyzenga

9.2

Medium ruby; medium plus intensity aromas of red cherry, strawberry, subtle red plum, underbrush, subtle eucalyptus, earth and mushrooms as it opens up further; dry, medium plus acid, low tannins, medium alcohol, medium body, medium plus intensity flavors consistent with aromas; lovely and complex, very elegant, develops with time — 18 days ago

Shay A

9.3

Even though I’m a big fan of Ferren’s Frei Rd Chardonnay, this was my first Frei Rd Pinot.

Not sure of normal experiences here, but the richness here seems to fall in between Rivers Marie (love) and Aubert (just so so for me). Darker color in the glass…bit of a purple tinge to it. Aromatically it sports potpourri, violets, underripe black cherries, underripe blue fruit and some cedar. Initially, the front palate seems like it will be heavy based on all of the flavors but it turns really elegant. Dark chocolate, a slight roasted character, and spicy fruits. With RM, I get that orange zest note, and with Aubert, I get more alcohol and kirsch. My in between note here is more ripe pomegranate than either of the others. These probably need 5-7yrs from vintage to be in a good spot. Followed over two days and stayed consistent. — 11 days ago

Mark Turner

9.4

This is a phenomenal Chardonnay. Super well balanced, great fruit, absolutely lovely. My wife told me to buy three more cases. That may be my new rating scale. ;-) — 19 hours ago

Jonathan Wall

9.0

Tannins, acid, and fruit never came together in a dance... felt rigid. Had this alongside Melville and Holus Bolus, which were more enjoyable now. Am I missing something with the v97 rating??!? — 14 days ago