2016 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
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Tasting notes
This was made before Faiveley took over in 2021 and started a new chapter at this ground-breaking estate. Jewel-sweet on the nose with a hint of oak. A bit chunky rather than really refined. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Medium ruby-purple, the 2016 Pinot Noir Lewis MacGregor Estate Vineyard has a wonderful nose of fruit preserves: raspberry, red cherry and blueberry with dried cranberry, warm cinnamon stick, dried bark, orange peel and rose petal perfume. Light to medium-bodied, it explodes with intense ripe fruits, spices and earth notions, held in check by a sturdy frame of grainy tannins and lifted by mouthwatering acidity, finishing amazingly long and layered. (EB)
A deft dollop of oak can be found on the exuberantly spicy and fresh nose that offers up notes of dark cherry, raspberry, violet and a hint of sandalwood. The focused, intense and delicious middle weight flavors possess fine verve if not quite the same concentration, all wrapped in a compact, dusty and robust finish that flirts with rusticity. *Outstanding*
The 2016 Pinot Noir Lewis MacGregor Vineyard is terrific. Dark and imposing in its first impression, the 2016 remains light on its feet, which provides a welcome contrast to the darkish flavors. Hints of spice, lavender, rose petal and mint add striking aromatics to this complete, alluring Pinot Noir from Williams Selyem. (AG)
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.