1999 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Readers looking for a premier cru/grand cru Cote de Nuits look-alike should check out the deep ruby/purple-colored 1999 Pinot Noir Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard (550 cases). Floral aromas mixed with sweet black cherry and raspberry fruit are accompanied by a broodingly backward, moderately tannic, long, concentrated wine. Patience will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2014. Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Saturated ruby-red. Brooding, deeply pitched aromas of wild plum, cassis, mocha and roasted, smoky oak. Large-scaled, sweet and fat; doesn't offer the finesse of the Allen bottling but boasts superb density and volume. Really glyceral pinot, finishing with sweet tannins and excellent length. Will offer considerable early appeal. Sure to be Williams-Selyem best release to date from these young Rochioli Vineyard vines.
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.