Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Williams Selyem – Chardonnay – 2023
Three Sisters Vineyard – Fort Ross-Seaview AVA – Sonoma County – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An exceptional cool-climate Chardonnay shaped by the dramatic micro-terroir of Fort Ross-Seaview, one of California’s most striking coastal AVAs. Known primarily for world-class Pinot Noir, Williams Selyem brings the same minimalist, site-first philosophy to this Chardonnay. The result is a wine of freshness, purity, and quiet power, deeply influenced by elevation, fog, and maritime air.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon curd, green apple, and pear skin layered with hints of chamomile, flint, sea breeze, and subtle toasted almond. The palate evolves with citrus zest, white peach, and coastal salinity, showing incredible purity.

Mouthfeel
Tension meets elegance. Medium-bodied with bright acidity, a fine mineral core, and subtle texture from restrained oak. The finish is long, lifted, and saline, quintessential Fort Ross-Seaview.

Food Pairings
Halibut, scallops, herb-roasted chicken, oyster mushrooms, or citrus-forward dishes. Its freshness and precision make it extremely versatile at the table.

Verdict
A fresh, focused, and beautifully expressive coastal Chardonnay. This bottling proves that Williams Selyem’s mastery of finesse isn’t limited to Pinot Noir, and here, the minimalist approach elevates Chardonnay into something truly memorable. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Fort Ross-Seaview is one of California’s most extreme coastal AVAs, with vineyards perched above the fog line at 900–1800 ft. The result: cold nights, intense sunlight, and natural acidity that produce some of the state’s most precise, maritime-driven Chardonnays.
— 7 months ago

Konrad Ziegler

8.9

From the new Dahlonega Plateau AVA — 5 years ago

Katie O

10

Absolutely perfect dry red from Piedmont. From the “three sisters” organic winery. A definite 10/10! — 6 years ago

Steven Beishuizen

9.0

I really enjoyed this glass. A lot. Viogniers can be so different. This one's limey, but with a substantial mouthfeel. — 7 years ago

with Anita

Mark Flesher

9.2

Obviously compared to the 2003 Marcassin Three Sisters Pinot, this one has more youth. This one did seem to be a little more unidimensional. Had a lot of good raspberry on the nose and up front. But the middle of this wine finds an herbal stride and finishes rather acidic. I am not sure if this one needs two more years in the cellar or should have been consumed two years PRIOR to now. But, it is actually quite delicious but lacking a bit of complexity. — 7 years ago

with Dan, Bradley and 1 other

Nick Hammerschlag

9.4

I would put this in a blind tasting against marcassin three sisters vineyard... — 8 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Breathless – Blanc de Blancs – Cox Vineyard (Single Vineyard Reserve) – Méthode Champenoise – Organic
Mendocino County, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A beautifully crafted Blanc de Blancs made in the traditional méthode champenoise, sourced from the organic Cox Vineyard in Mendocino County. Produced by Breathless Sparkling Wines, founded by the three sisters Sharon Cohn, Rebecca Faust, and Cynthia Faust, this cuvée reflects the winery’s philosophy of celebrating life’s “breathless moments.” Elegant, artisanal, and fruit-centered, it captures California brightness while honoring Old World technique.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh brioche, lemon curd, white peach, and crisp green apple, lifted by subtle minerality. Gentle notes of pastry cream, toasted almond, and rising dough show the extended lees contact and classic champagne-inspired craftsmanship.

Mouthfeel
Bright, delicate, and creamy. The mousse is refined and persistent, offering a graceful texture that remains lively from start to finish. A very clean, uplifting acidity shapes a long, refreshing finish.

Food Pairings
Oysters, goat cheese tartlets, shrimp ceviche, sushi, fried tempura, creamy pastas, or delicate white-fish dishes. Also a beautiful aperitif on its own.

Verdict
A genuinely lovely Blanc de Blancs that blends California sunshine with classic French technique. Elegant, aromatic, and refreshing, this is one of the most delightful expressions of méthode champenoise sparkling wine coming out of Sonoma/Mendocino today. A winery with heart behind every bottle.

Did You Know?
Breathless was founded by three sisters, Sharon Cohn, Rebecca Faust, and Cynthia Faust as a tribute to their mother Martha, whose mantra of living life fully inspired both the name Breathless and the joyful label art. Their winemaker, Penny Gadd-Coster, is considered an “honorary fourth sister” and is one of California’s most respected sparkling specialists. — 7 months ago

Baby Checks

8.9

Enjoyed. Got for Plano home from total wines. Better than Chandon and three sisters (NZ), not as dry/sharp tasting good as graham beck — 6 years ago

Steven Beishuizen

9.0

The 2018 was very, very nice. Very plummy! — 6 years ago

with Anita

Bethany P

9.5

Great bottle for the price. Great all around actually. — 7 years ago

A E Weber

8.9

Each of the three sisters plays a role and behaves in the backseat of this family vacation. As long as you don’t forget about the dog tied to the bumper, this fruit forward medley will tantalize. — 7 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Pichon Longueville estate goes back to 1688. In 1850, Virginie de Pichon Longueville, Countess de Lalande, and her two sisters inherited three-fifths of the vineyard from their father. In 1978, May-Eliane de Lencquesaing inherited the property. Nice aromas of fruit, herb & spice on this blend of of 53% Cab Sauv & 40% Merlot, adding Cab Franc & Petit Verdot. Black fruit flavors, ripe soft tannins, impressive acidity, good balance drinks well now and will cellar nicely for a few years! — 8 years ago

Bobbi Jo Broxson

9.3

Last bottle from one of our favorite CA Pinot makers. — 2 years ago

with Brian

Nina Zie

9.5

Off-dry. Lovely. Balanced. — 3 years ago

Nina Zie

9.5

Great summer sipper...sweet but has a tart note. — 3 years ago

Kevin Hunt

9.1

Nice hints of white pepper — 6 years ago

Louis Martin

9.4

Another great vintage - a slightly sweeter version of the 2015 vintage we already love. — 7 years ago

Robert Burns

9.2

Pleasantly surprised by this Norton grown on the Dahlonega Plateau. Reminded me of a spicy zin. Great with steak and BBQ. — 7 years ago

Gabriella Boros

9.9

Right out of the bottle rich and silky and full of cherries and nice tannin finish. Very terroir nose but opens o to a fruity dry flavor — 8 years ago

Sean Hughes

9.2

Light in color and texture but also earthy flavors- very drinkable. — 8 years ago