2009 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Bucher Vineyard
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The 2009 Pinot Noir Bucher Vineyard shows good up-front intensity, but then loses a measure of persistence on the mid-palate and finish. This is a rather dark, brooding wine, but it never fully comes together in the glass. Tar, smoke and licorice are some of the notes that struggle to fully emerge in the glass.
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Pinot Noir Bucher Vineyard shows good up-front intensity, but then loses a measure of persistence on the mid-palate and finish. This is a rather dark, brooding wine, but it never fully comes together in the glass. Tar, smoke and licorice are some of the notes that struggle to fully emerge in the glass. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. 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
Bright ruby-red. Highly complex nose evokes dried red berries, cherry and potpourri, with exotic spice and herb notes emerging as the wine opens in the glass. Takes on depth with air, showing bitter cherry and black raspberry on the palate. Dusty tannins add grip to very long, intense finish, which features a late note of refreshingly bitter blood orange. This definitely deserves patience.
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.