2009-2011 Williams Selyem "Westside Road Neighbors" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Vertical

“The release of this wine along with Williams Selyem's appellation bottlings might suggest that the winery sees it as one of its early maturing wines, but if that be the case, then we must respectfully disagree. This wine is slow to unfold in the glass, and despite the sweet, ripe character that emerges, it is also a wine that falls in distinct sections at this point. Its pulpy fruit reminiscent of dried cherries and raspberry preserves leads to an initially mouth-filling, viscous impression but also to flavors that are more than a little on the tight side and demand time in the cellar. Be patient; the wait will be rewarded.” (06/2011)

“Vivid ruby-red. Heady, intensely perfumed scents of raspberry and cherry preserves, sandalwood, dried rose and gingerbread. At once precise and deep, offering sweet red and dark fruit flavors lifted by tangy acidity, with silky tannins providing support. This tactile, palate-staining, lively midweight finishes with excellent definition and lingering spiciness. (ST)” (06/2011)

“Nose of black cherry and plum. A full-bodied wine with very pretty tannins. Shows hints of chamomile tea with a long finish. Dark plums. A fruitier style but not overtly so.” (06/2012)

“A rich, spicy wine, marked by cinnamon and clove-accented raspberries, cherries, cola and mushrooms, as well as a bit of funk. Lovely and complex, it’s a blend of various vineyards whose fruit Williams Selyem sources in the northwestern Russian River Valley.” (08/2011)

“Very complete, complex and balanced, with subtle cherry, plum and raspberry fruit that's supple and graceful. Medium- to full-bodied, gaining depth and richness on the finish, where the flavors linger. (JL)” (10/2011)

“Ruby-red. Explosive, nuanced aromas of candied red fruits, fresh flowers and Asian spices, with deeper cola and licorice nuances gaining power in the glass. Sappy, expansive and appealingly open-knit, offering powerful red and dark berry compote flavors enlivened by allspice and candied rose. Finishes bright and nervy, with a repeating floral quality. (ST)” (05/2012)

“This has the depth and substance Pinot Noir can attain in the Russian River Valley, along with a firm balance. The blend includes fruit from the Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard on Westside Road and longtime sources nearby—Allen, Bacigalupi, Bucher and Rochioli Riverblock. The cool year (with one searing heat spike in August) produced a relatively small crop with flavor intensity. The wine carries deep scents of roses, dark herbs and woodland mushrooms, a complex fragrance emanating from dark and supple fruit. The structural tension can carry the weight of the wine as it ages, and the smooth texture makes it a pleasure to drink now.” (08/2012)

“Intense and well-focused on vivid wild berry and raspberry flavors, with a wild, racy edge that's expansive and gains depth and nuance. (JL)” (09/2012)

“Another juicy, generous offering, the 2010 Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors is at once plump, yet also mid-weight and gracious. Sweet spice and floral notes wrap around a core of expressive, inviting Russian River fruit as the wine opens up in the glass. Hints of raspberries, strawberries and cinnamon linger on the finish. (AG)” (04/2013)

“Deep ruby. Powerful, seductively perfumed aromas of red and dark berry preserves, Asian spices and potpourri, with cola and vanilla nuances adding complexity. Stains the palate with vibrant black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and picks up a smoky nuance with air. Shows impressive vivacity on the finish, which features silky tannins and a touch of candied rose. (ST)” (06/2013)

“A bit of mildly smoky oak spice sits just to the side of well-formed Pinot Noir fruit in the moderately rich aromas of this fairly expressive youngster, and, if never an overly extravagant wine, it is spot on in focus with good volume and balance. It firms and tightens a touch as it crosses the palate, but it shows very good length and should relax and unfold with three or four years of age. *One Star*” (06/2013)

“Bob Cabral blends this using fruit from Williams Selyem’s estate and neighboring vineyards along Westside Road, including Allen, Bacigalupi, Bucher and Rochioli Riverblock. It’s a rich Russian River style, juicy and satin-textured, while the wine’s firm tannins keep it savory and hold it to a crisp line. It’s full enough to serve with braised lamb shoulder.” (10/2013)

“Focused on pure, ripe cherry and raspberry, this features a crushed rock edge, lending grip to the flavors. (JL)” (07/2013)