93-94 range
Hard to believe this is a 17yr old WA state Syrah. 100% varietal, all from Les Collines vineyard. 13.9ABV
Sporting a deep purple color even at 17yrs, this feels like it is just now entering prime time. Big aromatics of peppered smoked meats, whole cluster/green herbs, red and blackberry fruits. Floral and balanced with fruit but spices/herbs in the background. Where Cayuse (and all Christophe Baron/Rocks district) wines trend to the savory/sanguine profile (which I enjoy), this balances the dark fruit, smoky/charcoal, savory/spice driven side of Syrah in its typical rustic/feral profile. Nice bridge between cool climate New World Syrah and ripe vintage Cornas. Finish is more vibrant and less requiring of food as the CB wines do.
Followed over three days and shockingly held up. If you have a bottle, open and enjoy but no immediate rush. — 2 months ago
Really fantastic chardonnay, competes with the white burgundy I've had. Rich and complex but also balanced — 6 months ago
Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir – 2023
Drake Estate Vineyard – Russian River Valley – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A beautifully refined and expressive Pinot Noir sourced from the renowned Drake Estate Vineyard, one of the crown jewels of the Russian River Valley. The 2023 vintage highlights Williams Selyem’s signature delicacy and precision: pure fruit, lifted aromatics, and a seamless texture that defines top-tier RRV Pinot.
Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry accented by rose petal, orange zest, and light baking spice. Subtle forest floor, tea leaf, and vanilla whisper in the background. Elegant, layered, and aromatically captivating.
Mouthfeel
Silky, smooth, and wonderfully balanced. Medium-bodied with bright natural acidity, fine tannins, and a graceful, mouthwatering finish. A perfect interplay of delicacy and depth.
Food Pairings
Duck breast, truffle risotto, cedar-plank salmon, roasted mushrooms, or creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
Verdict
A lovely masterpiece from Drake Estate Vineyard, delicate, smooth, and utterly delicious. This is quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot at its most graceful and refined. Cheers!
Did You Know?
Drake Estate Vineyard sits along the Russian River’s cooling corridor, where fog rolls in daily. This extended hang time allows for exceptional fruit purity and aromatic intensity, one reason it’s one of Williams Selyem’s most prized vineyard sources. — 16 days ago
May have left it a touch too long. Has gotten earthier but still has some smoke and blackberry. — 2 months ago
Love the flavor of this wine . 2016 vintage in 2025 — 6 months ago
Really enjoyed this wine. Smooth and as others have said, fruit forward. — 7 days ago
I don’t think of Clark Smith as a Pinot Noir kind of guy, but I knew he made wines that age. This was no exception, nothing short of sensational. — 5 months ago
Tom Garland
Lewis Cellars "Cellar Selection" tasting with canapes. Just opened after 2 year revamp of the Robert Sinsky offices into a beautiful tasting room with views of the valley at Yountville crossing/Silverado trail. Luv Napa in December only only one there all afternoon.
2021 Barcaglia Chardonnay
2021 Napa Valley reserve Chardonnay
2016 Reserve Napa Valley cab
2017 Reserve Napa Valley cab
2021Cuvee L Napa valley — 3 days ago