2011 Williams Selyem Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The light gold-colored 2011 Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard possesses a big nose of beeswax and honeysuckle, crisp acidity, a hollowness in the mid-palate, but an attractive attack as well as finish. I'm not sure it will fill in out the middle, especially given the vintage conditions, but it is a solidly made white to consume over the near-term. 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-gold. Pungent aromas of orange zest, toasted almond and white flowers. Plush and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, with very good energy and freshness to its peach, citrus fruit and honey flavors. Finishes chewy and long, with subtle spiciness and slow-building minerality. This wine usually shows more exotic character according to Cabral, but I welcome its vivacity.
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.