2021 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard

Soft, supple tannins wrap around lively layers of rose petal, raspberry, and a light hint of cardamom in the memorable 2021 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard from this famous Russian River Valley producer. Medium-bodied, the wine is zesty and weighty, persistent in acidity while complex and long-lasting on the palate. Drink now through 2031. One of the pioneers of Sonoma County Pinot Noir, Williams Selyem also sources from the Anderson Valley, mainly Ferrington Vineyard, as well as from the Weir Vineyard in nearby Yorkville Highlands. Original founder Burt Williams planted the 40-acre Morning Dew Vineyard at high elevation just north of Philo in 1998, selling many vintages of grapes back to Williams Selyem over the years. The ranch was sold to Castello di Amorosa in the Napa Valley in 2015, but library vintages of the WS wines can sometimes be found.

The 2021 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard, matured for 16 months in 60% new oak, opens with flinty touches that give way to blackberry, blueberry, pennyroyal and earth aromas. The medium-bodied palate features powerful, perfumed flavors structured by powdery tannins and bright acidity, and it has a long, layered finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle. 1,055 cases were made.

Boonville neighbourhood. A mix of clones: Pommard (UCD4), 115, 777, 667, 943 and 'Romanée-Conti selection'. Aged for 16 months in 60% new, 40% second-use barrels. 1,000 cases produced. Smells of brown sugar and cherry fruit. Flavours of cherry and raspberry mix with sour cherry and dried herbs. Fresh herbal notes emerge on the palate as faintly fleecy tannins coat the mouth. Excellent acidity and a nice freshness linger in the finish. Pretty and very tasty.