2007 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Peay Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Wild strawberry, spice, cherry, cranberry, pomegranate, and an incense-like note jump from the glass of the medium ruby-colored 2007 Pinot Noir Peay Vineyard. The intoxicating aromas are followed by an elegant, well-balanced wine revealing a distinctive minerality. It should drink nicely for 10-12 years. The single vineyard Pinot Noirs are made from a wide range of California vineyards, primarily in the north, with Russian River and Sonoma Coast dominating, but there is also an Anderson Valley site (Ferrington), San Benito site (Vista Verde), and Yorkville Highlands (Weir). The Chardonnays are nearly as powerful as the Zinfandels in terms of alcohol strength, ranging from 14.5% to 14.8%. Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright red. Strikingly pure raspberry, wild strawberry, rose and mineral aromas are deepened by a subtle note of smoky Indian spices. Sharply focused, energetic red fruit flavors stain the palate, with silky tannins providing structure and grip. The red berry character gains strength with air and dominates the long, intensely spicy finish. One of the more graceful pinots I came across in this year's tastings.
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.