2011 Williams Selyem "Hirsch Vineyard" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, "Rochioli Riverblock" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir & Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Horizontal

“One sip is all it takes to be blown away by this Pinot’s beauty. It’s exquisitely crafted, a testament to both the vineyard and the winery’s oenological talent. The palate is bright and tangy with acidity, and incredibly complex flavors of wild berries, mushrooms, balsam, cola and Asian spices. It’s dramatic now, but will continue to improve for at least 15 years. *Cellar Selection*” (02/2014)

“The Hirsch Vineyard versions are more often than not among the tighter, more vibrant Pinots in the Williams Selyem portfolio, and it is true once again with this firmly built, eminently ageworthy opus from 2011. It is withal a fairly hidden wine with as much tactile grip as outgoing fruit, but there is a very real sense of layering at work as well and hints at black tea at one moment and cherries and spice at the next. Its acidity is ample and obvious without being aggressive, and it will take its time before coming fully around. *Two Stars*” (02/2014)

“Sweet red cherries, plums, mint and rose petals meld together in the 2011 Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard. A wine of texture and depth, the 2011 stands out for its fabulous silkiness and raciness, both very hard to come by in 2011. The flavors continue to blossom in this striking, drop-dead gorgeous Pinot from one of Sonoma's very best sites. This is a fabulous showing in a very challenging year. (AG)” (02/2014)

“Williams Selyem’s 2011 Hirsch is a strapping wine, bursting with dark blue and purple fruit tones and showing a lot of cocoa-scented oak. It’s somewhat primary right now, but there’s a lively earthiness to the tannins that predicts complexity. With air, the wine’s full power and length begin to show, suggesting that this deserves some time in the cellar.” (04/2014)

“From the Sonoma Coast, the 2011 Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard offers classic Pommard-like notes of red apple skins, earth and black cherries. There is always a masculinity to this cuvee, and the 2011 is earthy, firm, tannic, rustic and beefy in a good sense. (RP)” (12/2013)

“Tight and dense, with pure and focused ripe plum and raspberry fruit, picking up anise and black licorice notes on the finish. Ends with a savory aftertaste. (JL)” (03/2014)

“Bright ruby-red. Pungent aromas of black raspberry, cherry and fresh rose, with a smoky quality building in the glass. Pliant, sweet and complex, offering potent flavors of bitter cherry, blackberry, floral pastilles and cola. Rich and concentrated but lively, closing with strong punch and fine-grained firming tannins. Quite rich for a 2011, but also shows the vivacity that marks the vintage's best wines. (ST)” (05/2014)

“Williams Selyem defines Russian River Pinot with this cherry–bright, red-fruited wine. It carries freshness through fruit as well as herb-scented tannins, those elements combining in a firmly textured wine, polished and rich without any excess weight. For roast quail.” (10/2013)

“There’s a fresh, lilting quality to this Pinot, a silky airiness that feels weightless on the palate. Doubtless that’s due to the moderate alcohol. But there’s nothing light about the flavors, which are complex in black raspberry pie, softened Dr. Pepper cola, butterscotch, toast and spices. A beautiful Russian River Pinot made for drinking now with upscale fare.” (07/2013)

“Lightly sweet, almost exotic, spice. Refined tannins and beautiful structure. Tight and so fresh and lively and alive. Long, bright. Delicious. Great depth. 18.5/20 points (JH)” (11/2013)

“Sleek and understated, with subtle cherry, mineral and light creamy oak. The firmly tannic finish lends the flavors grip. (JL)” (07/2013)

“This riverside parcel was first planted in 1989 to Joe Rochioli’s own heritage Pinot Noir selection, supplemented in 2000 with two Dijon clones. Winemaker Bob Cabral’s 2011 is aromatically striking, ranging from floral lavender notes to a stem-inflected cumin scent. There’s a clarity at the center of the wine, the site’s concentration changing focus from fruit depth to long-lasting savory and floral elements: It starts with fruit-driven intensity (dark cherry and red currant), ending on an ethereal, aromatic lift—a long tail. Kaleidoscopic. With a few more years of age, this would be a perfect match for grilled salmon.” (04/2014)

“Ruby-red. Highly perfumed, seductive bouquet of black raspberry, cherry-cola, star anise and potpourri. Intense red and dark berry flavors are sweetened by vanilla and cola qualities, with fine-grained tannins and bright acidity adding lift. The spicy element returns on the long, focused, floral finish. (ST)” (05/2013)

“Tart cranberry acidity marks this dry, delicately structured young wine. Dusty with tannins, the mouthfeel is tight and nervous. At the core are complex layers of forest berries, cola, mushrooms, exotic baking spices and sweet cedar. Give the wine at least six years in a cellar to mature—it should be flying high by 2029. *Cellar Selection*” (02/2014)

“The softer, sexier, more sensual 2011 Pinot Noir Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard's forest floor, pomegranate and black cherry notes are followed by a medium-bodied wine with abundant fruit. Undeniably a success for this vintage. (RP)” (12/2013)

“The blackberry, plum and raspberry notes are delicate and spicy, firming on the finish. A mix of gravel and crushed rock accents balances the tannins. (JL)” (02/2014)