Williams Selyem
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Williams Selyem is one of the most consistent producers of Pinot in Sonoma. They must be farmers at heart because the fruit they grow is always generally very good to excellent. The raspberry flavors in their Pinots always stand out to me when I have them. Not that I'm a points person by any stretch of the imagination, but I've always felt like their wines are under scored by critics. Maybe, because they only score them young and for the most part don't revisit them much later as when I enjoy them. That said, this Russian River is drinking beautifully tonight. Certainly, one of the better 02 Pinots I've had and 02 was a very good year for Pinots generally speaking. The fruits in this 02 are singing after 12years in the bottle. Dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, dark cherries, strawberry preserves, dry cranberries, concentrated pomegranate juice, pronounced spices, sprinkle of light herbs, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, dark fresh & dry florals, gritty chalkiness, grey volcanic minerals & dry stems. The structure is still very sound as is the tension, length and balance. Acidity is near perfect and the round, lush, polished finish doesn't end.
Williams Selyem is one of the most consistent producers of Pinot in Sonoma. They must be farmers at heart because the fruit they grow is always generally very good to excellent. The raspberry flavors in their Pinots always stand out to me when I have them. Not that I'm a points person by any stretch of the imagination, but I've always felt like their wines are under scored by critics. Maybe, because they only score them young and for the most part don't revisit them much later as when I enjoy them. That said, this Russian River is drinking beautifully tonight. Certainly, one of the better 02 Pinots I've had and 02 was a very good year for Pinots generally speaking. The fruits in this 02 are singing after 12years in the bottle. Dark cherries, black raspberries, raspberries, dark cherries, strawberry preserves, dry cranberries, concentrated pomegranate juice, pronounced spices, sprinkle of light herbs, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, dark fresh & dry florals, gritty chalkiness, grey volcanic minerals & dry stems. The structure is still very sound as is the tension, length and balance. Acidity is near perfect and the round, lush, polished finish doesn't end.
Jan 8th, 2017
Hints of oxidation in the coloring, but the nose and taste were fine. As it sat in the glass, it became more complex and enjoyable.
Hints of oxidation in the coloring, but the nose and taste were fine. As it sat in the glass, it became more complex and enjoyable.
Jun 19th, 2022First of three bottles for a surf-and-turf bbq. Excellent Pinot and thrilled that this bottle in the case wasn’t corked like the last one. Beautiful color, vibrant nose, and wonderful tannins brought out the best in the stone fruits. Delicious, like a typical WS.
First of three bottles for a surf-and-turf bbq. Excellent Pinot and thrilled that this bottle in the case wasn’t corked like the last one. Beautiful color, vibrant nose, and wonderful tannins brought out the best in the stone fruits. Delicious, like a typical WS.
Feb 20th, 2022Drinkable but signs that it’s in its final stage before turning. Better than many bottles in general, but pales by comparison to other WS bottle. Fruits and spices are less vibrant.
Drinkable but signs that it’s in its final stage before turning. Better than many bottles in general, but pales by comparison to other WS bottle. Fruits and spices are less vibrant.
Jan 16th, 2022
The last one...a hidden gem that made the move to Minnesota 15yrs ago. She’s held up well for a 17yr old. Subtle smoke, leather and plum.
The last one...a hidden gem that made the move to Minnesota 15yrs ago. She’s held up well for a 17yr old. Subtle smoke, leather and plum.
Feb 9th, 2019A fabulous pinot drinking beautifully at this age. Went great with food.
A fabulous pinot drinking beautifully at this age. Went great with food.
Jun 14th, 2018
Light, delicate, rose petal and red fruit.
Light, delicate, rose petal and red fruit.
Dec 26th, 2012