2011 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Dried flowers, wild herbs, rose petals, cherries and hard candy flesh out in the 2011 Pinot Noir Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard. Inviting and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2011 impresses for its poise, balance and translucence. There is enough density and vibrancy to support at least several years in the cellar, but I wouldn't push my luck too far.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The attractive 2011 Pinot Noir Estate reveals notes of forest floor, plums, black cherries and earth in its medium-bodied personality. There is just enough acidity for freshness and vibrancy, but it is neither aggressive nor intrusive. This elegant, fresh, pure, fruity Pinot should drink nicely for 5-6 years. Alcohols in 2011 were not much lower than in some of the riper vintages, although they were definitely down. The 2011 Williams Selyem Chardonnays range between 13.9% (Heintz) to 14.5% (Olivet Lane). I tend to think this estate's Chardonnay program is underrated as it seems like their Pinot Noirs receive all the attention to the detriment of their Chardonnays, which can be brilliant. Tel. (707) 433-6425
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.