2007 Williams Selyem Chardonnay Hawk Hill Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2007 Chardonnay Hawk Hill Vineyard displays copious amounts of white corn, honeyed pear, and tropical fruit characteristics in a full-bodied style with zesty acidity, admirable focus, and a medium to full-bodied, rich finish. Although it is my least favorite of these four Chardonnays, it is still an outstanding effort. It is just overwhelmed by the competition. Tired of drinking one oxidized white Burgundy after another? If so, check out wines such as this. The single vineyard Pinot Noirs are made from a wide range of California vineyards, primarily in the north, with Russian River and Sonoma Coast dominating, but there is also an Anderson Valley site (Ferrington), San Benito site (Vista Verde), and Yorkville Highlands (Weir). The Chardonnays are nearly as powerful as the Zinfandels in terms of alcohol strength, ranging from 14.5% to 14.8%. Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Yellow-gold. Deep, smoky scents of pit fruits, yellow plum and toasty lees. The richest of these chardonnays, offering dense pit and orchard fruit flavors and a pliant, creamy texture. The finish echoes the leesy quality and leaves a sweet floral honey quality behind.
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.