2011 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Foss Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Dark cherry, plum, savory herbs, licorice and menthol all flesh out in the 2011 Pinot Noir Foss Vineyard. A dark, supple Pinot, the Foss should continue to drink nicely for the next handful of years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Among the four Russian River offerings, the 2011 Pinot Noir Foss Vineyard exhibits a dense ruby color as well as plenty of sweet cherry and apple butter-like characteristics, a medium-bodied mouthfeel, decent acidity and a moderately long finish. Drink this attractive Pinot over the next 5-8 years. Alcohols in 2011 were not much lower than in some of the riper vintages, although they were definitely down. The 2011 Williams Selyem Chardonnays range between 13.9% (Heintz) to 14.5% (Olivet Lane). I tend to think this estate's Chardonnay program is underrated as it seems like their Pinot Noirs receive all the attention to the detriment of their Chardonnays, which can be brilliant. Tel. (707) 433-6425
Vivid ruby-red. Sexy, smoke- and spice-accented aromas and flavors of black raspberry and cherry cola show impressive clarity. Vibrant and precise, with excellent back-end lift and cut. Repeats the berry and cola notes on a long, seamless penetrating finish.
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.