2001 Williams Selyem Zinfandel Forchini Vineyard North Flats
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Tasting notes
The only 2001 Zinfandel I tasted was the Forchini Vineyard North Flats, a classic example with 15.8% alcohol. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a big, peppery, briery bouquet displaying notes of underbrush and licorice in its viscous, fleshy, full-throttle texture. Despite its youth, power, and exuberance, it should be drunk over the next 4-5 years. It’s a shame Williams-Selyem does not receive more recognition for their Zinfandels as they are full-throttle, high octane reds beautifully balanced by crisp acidity (probably adjusted). All things considered, 2001 and 2002 are the finest back-to-back vintages I have tasted from Williams-Selyem. Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good medium ruby-purple. High-pitched, perfumed aromas of raspberry liqueur, eucalyptus oil, cola and mint; at once resiny and quite subtle. Then juicy, intensely flavored and densely packed, with superb inner-mouth energy. A real essence of black fruits. Powerful and very long, with lingering notes of violet and licorice; the tannins spread out to coat the teeth. Cabral used only three- and four-year-old barrels for the 2001 zins.
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.