2023 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
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Tasting notes
The 2023 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) offers up a beguiling mix of dark fruit, leather, tobacco, incense, crushed leaves and dark spices. This brooding, inward Pinot exudes depth and intensity. I find the French oak a bit overpowering at first, but there is nevertheless plenty to like. All this needs is a bit of air to be at its most expressive.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley was blended from several vineyards and matured for 11 months in 41% new French oak. It has layered scents of strawberry, raspberry, woodsmoke, dried flowers, bitters and citrus. The medium-bodied palate offers concentrated, nuanced flavors framed by fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity, and it has a long, spicy finish. It will benefit from some time in a decanter. 3,755 cases were made.
The 2023 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley boasts a youthful ruby red hue and has a darker profile shining through with wet stones, cherry liqueur, black raspberry, pine needles, and fresh wildflowers. The palate is medium to full-bodied and has mouthwatering, fresh acidity, refined, ripe tannins, and a long finish. In the cellar, all the Pinot Noirs saw 25% whole clusters across the range. Drink 2025-2037. These are the spring releases from Williams-Selyem and were tasted with Vice President and Director of Winemaking Jeff Mangahas at the estate in the Russian River Valley.
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.