2001 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The brilliant 2001 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard (planted with the Martini clone, Dijon clones and the well-known Oregon clone known as Wadensvil) is a rich, Volnay-like effort. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied a sumptuous bouquet of juicy black fruits intermixed with earth, wood, and flowers. Pure, vibrant, and medium to full-bodied, it should drink well for 7-8 years. 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
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good full ruby-red. Perfumed, precise aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, cassis and violet; an essence of Sonoma Coast pinot. Then juicy and urgent but tightly wound, with notes of cola and spice. A rather powerful, oaky, slightly aggressive wine, finishing with big but sweet tannins and good length. The large crop level of the vintage may have had the effect of softening the tannins, but the wine does not quite deliver in the mouth what it promises on the nose.
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.