2001 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Allen Vineyard
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Tasting notes
(14.2% alcohol): Medium red with an amber rim. Aromas of mocha, licorice and herbs hint at a liqueur-like ripeness. On the palate, slightly high-toned dark fruit flavors show a bit of alcoholic warmth. There's a candied quality here but less in the way of juicy acidity than the 2000 is showing today. And this is not as sweet as it should be. A touch of heat dries the finish. This appears to be past its peak and should be drunk soon.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The powerhouse 2001 Pinot Noir Allen Vineyard (359 cases) reveals copious quantities of raspberry and cherry fruit intertwined with hints of flowers, crushed rocks, wood, and autumnal/leafy notes. It explodes on the palate with great richness, power, and density, which obscure some hefty tannin. This fabulous Pinot should hit its prime in 1-2 years, and last for a decade. 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
Good medium red-ruby. Floral aromas of cherry, raspberry, strawberry, spices and rose petal. Intensely flavored, sappy and rich but quite tight today, conveying an impression of uncompromising dryness. Best right now on the very strong finish: the fruit and spice flavors really explode and linger. Cabral describes this as a classic version of Allen: "The 2000 was almost too big and dark." I look forward to retasting this very backward wine in the fall.
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.