2008 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The much deeper ruby/purple-tinged 2008 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard possesses blueberry, forest floor and spring flowers in its complex set of aromatics. Tart acids are present, but this is an example where the concentration and fruit extract stand up to the acidic nature of this style of Pinot. Fresh and lively, this medium-bodied wine should be drunk over the next 8-10 years. With thirteen separate Pinot Noirs, Williams-Selyem has something for just about everybody. Eight of these Pinot Noirs hail from relatively well-known sites in the Russian River and three come from the Sonoma Coast, while the two outliers are the Weir Vineyard from Yorkville Highlands and the Ferrington Vineyard from the Anderson Valley. Three well-regarded vineyards of the Sonoma Coast comprise part of this impressive Pinot Noir portfolio from Williams-Selyem. With eight Russian River bottlings, the two with the largest availability are the Eastside Road Neighbors and Westside Road Neighbors, which are blends from different fruit sources. The most underrated wines in the entire portfolio are the Zinfandels that come from winemaker Bob Cabrol. Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Ruby red. Musky red fruits, spices and dried flowers on the nose, lifted by a whiff of Asian spices. Sweet and juicy on entry, then creamy in the middle, with red and dark berry and star anise flavors in a seamless and silky style. Finishes with ripe, sweet, dark berry flavors and a jolt of tangy minerality.
About the producer
Williams Selyem is an iconic Russian River Valley winery best known for its Pinot Noir. Producing restrained yet classically Californian expressions of the heartbreak grape (as well as a host of other wines), the property has gone from pioneer to one of the region’s standard-bearers.