2009 Williams Selyem Zinfandel Forchini Vineyard North Flats
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Tasting notes
The 2009 Zinfandel North Flats Forchini Vineyard bursts from the glass with an exiting mélange of dark cherries, wild herbs and flowers, all supported by a vein of underlying acidity. The wine's density and sheer richness emerges with time in the glass.
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Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Zinfandel North Flats Forchini Vineyard bursts from the glass with an exiting melange of dark cherries, wild herbs and flowers, all supported by a vein of underlying acidity. The wine’s density and sheer richness emerge with time in the glass. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. I tasted a dizzying array of Pinot Noirs from Williams Selyem and winemaker Bob Cabral. Yields were down in 2009 because of bunch-stem necrosis, a condition that can occur because of weather/humidity extremes or mineral imbalances. Otherwise, it was a pretty regular vintage with an even set and a harvest that took place beginning in early September. Tel. (707) 433-6425
Inky purple. Assertively perfumed bouquet of cassis, blueberry, smoked meat, rose and musky herbs. Deep, sweet and pliant, showing pure, concentrated dark berry fruit flavors with strong spicy lift. The sweet blueberry-tinged finish clings nicely. The fruit here is really to the fore today.
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.