1997 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Typical of many wines from this area, the well-made 1997 Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard displays a forceful structure, and copious spice, earth, and tannin to go along with its black cherry fruit. It is a candidate for several years of cellaring before consumption. It should keep for 7-8 years, but the tannin may be problematic. The eight Pinot Noir tasting notes in this segment represent about half of the available cuvees. All of the offerings revealed high levels of tangy acidity, a style that allows the winery to utilize extremely low levels of sulphur, a worthy objective. The 1997 Pinot Noirs possess light ruby colors, aggressive acidity, and copious quantities of the red fruit melange - kirsch liqueur, strawberries, cherries, and red currants. Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 578-3882
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good deep red-ruby. Superripe but lively aromas of currant, raspberry, and briary, Morey-like mocha and spices. Very concentrated, fat and rich; intensely spicy black fruit flavors given shape by firm acids. Here the flavors are remarkably fresh for such a high-alcohol wine. Loads of potential.
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.