Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir “Westside Road Neighbors” – Vintage 2023
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An expressive and terroir-driven Pinot Noir from the revered Westside Road corridor of the Russian River Valley, a stretch synonymous with depth, precision, and complexity. This 2023 release from Williams Selyem showcases the hallmark elegance of the estate but with a more structured, site-focused personality.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe cherry, red currant, and plum compote intertwined with notes of black tea, baking spice, and subtle earthy undertones. Hints of cola and dried rose petals emerge as the wine opens, adding nuance to its aromatic range.

Mouthfeel
Texturally denser than the core RRV bottling, with a refined backbone of tannin and a sense of gravitas on the palate. Medium-plus body with impressive balance, equal parts finesse and muscle. The finish is long, savory, and mineral-tinged, reflecting the complexity of its vineyard sources.

Food Pairings
Perfect for roast duck with cherry glaze, wild mushroom tart, or seared salmon with soy-ginger glaze. The structure also pairs beautifully with richer poultry or pork dishes.

Verdict
A Pinot Noir of precision and presence, more grounded and terroir-driven than its softer sibling. “Westside Road Neighbors” is the connoisseur’s pick: powerful yet graceful, and built for cellaring.

Did You Know?
The “Westside Road Neighbors” cuvée blends fruit from several prestigious vineyards located along one of Sonoma’s most famous Pinot corridors, where fog and afternoon sun create the perfect microclimate for depth and elegance.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This Pinot stands out for its balance of structure and soul. A wine that feels both intellectual and emotional, it invites reflection while still being effortlessly enjoyable. — an hour ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Deep Ruby color with aromas of black fruits, cedar and baking spice. On the palate flavors of ripe black cherry and raspberry with cola and sweet cinnamon spice notes. Full-bodied, fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit, oak and an earthy mineral character. Nice! — 8 months ago

Nathan Renfro

9.2

Nicely structured. Nice ripe black fruit, softened yet firm tannins. Enjoyable. — 2 years ago

Scott E. Becker

9.4

[Tasted on September 13, 2025 at etc. in Nashville with Jay]

Black cherry and blackberry fruit, with black tea and wood spice. — 2 months ago

Marc Melser

9.3

A real good PN. Black cherry, cinnamon and a full mouth feel. Still lookin good this far out. — 5 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Primarily Zinfandel (88%) with many other Red and White varieties making up the balance. Dark ruby color with a slight garnet rim. Aromas of red and black berry/cherry fruit with hints of fresh herbs, red flowers and asphalt. Flavors of black cherry, raspberry, black plum, black licorice and roasted herbs. Hint of spice on the long and luxurious finish. Quite elegant and pristine. Rich and pronounced. Well crafted and balanced but extremely harmonious and delicate at the same time. Excellent! Appreciate the wonderful gift, Kase! — 8 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Happy New Year! 🎉🎆🎈🎊 🧨

Excellent vintage. I think even better for Pinot than Cabernet in some cases.

Baked blackberries, black raspberries, raspberries, black plum, baked, dark cherries, notes of blueberries, dry cranberries/rhubarb, maple syrup, limestone minerals, dry crushed rocks, dry, grilled meats, dry tobacco, wood shavings, anise, cinnamon stick, clove, nutmeg, dark spice, some black lichen, vanillin, warm caramel, sun tea, mid berry cola, dry twig, withering to decayed, dark, red, purple flowers, round acidity, well made, structured, balanced, elegant finish that lasts two-minutes and lands on dark spice, earthiness. — 10 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Aromatics of black fruits with a touch of menthol (eucalyptus in these parts). Not as herbaceous as the northern part of Margaret River up In Wilyabrup. Oak is noticeable on the palate initially (even at 16 years). One of the few Cab Merlot blends as their top Cuvée (Cullen is another) in preference to straight Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate ripe black fruits and mulberry. Finishes with fine tannins. HH has a long drinking window on this, up to 2039 which I don’t think many will have the willpower to follow- including me. — 5 months ago

Steve Messinger

9.0

Dried black cherry w spice. Med + body. Rich long cranberry finish w touch of heat — 8 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Brief notes. Barb said sour cherry. My initial impressions - dried herbs, dried red cherry and black plum. Quite a big Pinot Noir. One could say a Shiraz drinkers Pinot, but it’s better than that and gives the wrong connotation. Have my next one in late 2025. As I have said in prior notes it lacks nuance. — 9 months ago