Williams Selyem Pinot Noir gets so much critical acclaim that I often feel their world class Zinfandel and Chardonnay lineups get overlooked. Forchini Vineyard is located just south of Healdsburg in Russian River Valley. The 100 year old vines produce a miniscule amount of fruit each year.
This wine clocks in at 15.6% ABV, but is not at all hot or out of balance. Ripe, jammy, hedonistic fruit. Raspberries, maraschino cherries, boysenberry, spice and the slightest hint of vanilla. The finish is long and sweet.
This wine has aged exceptionally well – I’ll check in on my last bottle in 2013.
Williams Selyem can periodically be found at retail, but the mailing list is highly recommended. This vintage is $45 off the mailing list.
My rating: 92 points