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. — 5 days ago

Jody Scharf

9.1

11$ bottle that got a 92 from Wine Enthusiast, soooooo , I tried it, I like it! — 4 months ago

Eric Urbani

9.1

100% Grenache from Paso … 15.9% ABV 💪🏼 — 6 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.0

Quite light garnet wide terracotta , garnet rim. Quite a lot of dry spice , nutmeg , star anis , red cherry, raspberry , red currant , earthy hints . After a while a bit more leafy , smoky on the nose. On the palate this is quite light and direct in style , raspberry , red cherry and those earthy , granite touches . This has fresh acidity and fine , light tannins . Reasonable earthy , spiced finish . Certainly ready and on this showing will probably last ok another 5 or so years. Not the most complex , overall I found it a little pedestrian, but still showing ok , but no need to wait any longer , I don’t see this improving . — 5 days ago

Severn G

9.1

2004 | Zinfandel
Rosenblum Cellars; Rockpile Road Vineyard
Sonoma County; Rockpile AVA, CA, US
(90-92; Drink 2014-2029) — 3 months ago

Todd Anderson

9.2

I really enjoyed this bottle. It evolved steadily, improving, over a few hours. I had it on pizza night but it could easily pair well with heartier fare. Enjoy now or over the next 5+ years. — 5 months ago

Anna Sangiacomo

9.5

So yummy 😋 — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

River Road Chardonnay 2023
Sonoma County, California 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Chardonnay from Sonoma County, one of California’s most acclaimed regions for this varietal. River Road is known for crafting approachable, value-driven wines that showcase Sonoma’s balance of ripeness and freshness. This vintage leans toward a classic California style but with a refreshing lift.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright orchard fruit (pear, apple, and peach) mingles with citrus zest, tropical pineapple, and a touch of honeysuckle. Subtle notes of vanilla and toast from oak aging add roundness without overpowering.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and creamy, with a soft texture that’s balanced by lively acidity. The finish lingers with a clean streak of lemon and a whisper of minerality.

Winemaking Notes
Fermented in stainless steel and partially aged in French oak, striking a balance between fruit purity and soft, toasty complexity.

Food Pairing
Perfect with roast chicken, creamy pasta, crab cakes, or a simple cheese board with Brie and Camembert.

Verdict
A well-priced, approachable Sonoma Chardonnay that offers both creaminess and freshness. It’s versatile, polished, and a great daily drinker with real Sonoma character. — 2 months ago

Rick Castaneda

9.1

Fantastic example of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. On the nose, it’s a fruit bomb but on the palate even more exquisite. Purple violets, black currant, black pepper, Parmesan rind, black raspberry, light forest floor, graphite. Extremely well balanced.so good. — 5 months ago

David Ferguson

10

Great from first sip — 8 months ago