2011 Williams Selyem Chardonnay Drake Estate Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Chardonnay Drake Estate offers a light gold color along with caramelized orange peel/tangerine notes, crisp acidity, more minerality and stoniness than its siblings, and a medium-bodied mouthfeel and finish. Excellent rather than outstanding, it can be consumed over the next 2-3 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
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Vivid yellow. White peach, apricot, lemon curd and white flowers on the intensely perfumed nose, with a gingery topnote adding vivacity. Dense, fine-grained and penetrating, with excellent clarity and freshness to its orchard fruit and candied citrus flavors. Finishes with noteworthy persistence and lingering floral and citrus notes. Packs a serious punch but is nevertheless graceful.
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.