2017 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard
Buying options
Tasting notes
This is from the Santa Rosa Plain area and is an old Martini clone, planted in the 1970s. The nose has a smoked-meat edge with a distinctive, savory, tanned-leather note and ripe, spice-dusted dark fruit. Beautiful, succulent acidity holds very rich fruit flesh together nicely and the palate has such weight and silky, deeply plush, velvety tannins. Give this a few years. Try from 2023.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane is another beautiful Russian River release from this estate that offers a big nose of wild strawberries, candied cherries, violets, mint, and sandalwood. Playing in the medium-bodied end of the spectrum, it's beautifully balanced, has moderate tannins, and a great finish, with its acidity there yet nicely tucked in behind beautiful fruit. It's not a heavyweight yet stays light, balanced, and incredibly satisfying. Drink it over the coming decade or more.
Pungently floral and inviting, this vineyard site is in the heart of the Olivet Lane District, a historic part of the larger appellation. Orange and rhubarb flavors contribute a fleshy texture and a biting, high-toned lilt of acidity. Persistent notes of Asian spice and black tea give it complexity and length. — Virginie Boone
The 2017 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard is soft, open-knit and inviting. Red berry fruit, silky tannins and expressive floral/spice overtones give the 2017 much of its undeniably allure. I imagine the 2017 will provide readers with a long window of drinking pleasure.
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.