2000 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Sonoma County
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Pale, dull crimson. Pure, but very light. Distinctive. Good, pure Burgundian smell – as though the wine were made from different clones from most California Pinots. Quite delicate – almost riskily light. A little tannin at the end. Extremely charming if less gutsy than the style of this winery under the old regime of Williams and Selyem themselves. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The dark ruby/purple-colored, sweet, dense, beautifully fruited 2000 Pinot Noir Russian River (1,400 cases) is more charming and consumer-friendly than most of this estate's Pinots. Although not long-lived, for drinking over the next 4-5 years, it is top-flight. Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546
Medium red. Gamey aromas of strawberry, framboise, tar, mocha, espresso and cinnamon. Fairly intensely flavored but not quite as pure as most of the other 2000 pinots from this winery. Still, this wine seemed to grow fresher as it opened in the glass. Finishes with spice and earth notes and a hint of dryness.
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.