2018 Williams Selyem, Sonoma Coast & Russian River Valley: "Coastlands Vineyard" & "Estate Vineyard" Pinot Noir Horizontal

“Vibrantly abuzz in flavors of tangerine, cherry and sage, this estate red is lengthy and grippy in youthful tannins. Cardamom spiciness complements the brightness of the fruit while building to a crisp, enduring finish of oyster shell and stone. (VB)” (03/2021)

“The 2018 Pinot Noir Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard is elegant, silky and polished. Bright mineral notes give the 2018 terrific energy that builds into the sculpted, delineated finish. Sweet red berry fruit, cedar, spice, blood orange and rose petal are some of the many aromas and flavors that meld together in the glass. The 2018 is all class, all the way. (AG)” (01/2021)

“The 2018 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard comes from vines planted in 2002. It has a medium ruby-purple color and aromas of crushed blackberries, red cherries, cinnamon, dried tobacco leaves and charcuterie. The palate is medium-bodied with dark fruits, a firmer, grainy frame and a mineral streak, finishing long and still a tad youthfully closed. (EB) 94+” (07/2020)

“This remained closed on the nose for the first few hours after opening. In the mouth it is texturally impressive in its breadth, persistence and grip, and while fruit-forward in flavour the lengthy finish is tenacious and grippy. There is tension and precision here for the long haul, but patience is advised. The Estate Vineyard was planted in 2002 to a mix of Pommard, Mount Eden and Swan clones. It sits on the same hillside as the Allen Vineyard on gravelly, decomposed volcanic soils. (ML)” (04/2021)

“A whiff of herbal tea is present on the pretty red and dark pinot fruit reveal background nuances of anise, clove and sandalwood. There is very good if not special density to the utterly delicious, vibrant and rich medium-bodied flavors that possess good depth and persistence on the balanced finale. This should amply repay at least a few years of cellaring, but it is already sufficiently harmonious that it could easily be enjoyed now. *Outstanding*” (04/2021)

“This wine is undeniably bright and succulently layered, bursting in flavors of fresh raspberry and strawberry and a chaser of tangerine. Elements of vanilla, nutmeg and forest floor play around the edges, with acidity that lingers on the finish. *Editors' Choice* (VB)” (03/2021)

“The 2018 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard has a medium ruby-purple color and inviting aromas of crushed peppercorn, laurel, forest floor, raspberries and rhubarb with amaro layers. Light to medium-bodied, the palate slowly spreads its wings to beautifully bitter, earth-laced fruits, with a gentle salty tang, a firm, grainy and very fresh frame and long finish. (EB)” (07/2020)

“The 2018 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard shows just how magical this site is. It is another wine that marries fruit intensity with considerable structure. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. Beams of tannin and acid run through a core of dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint and spice. There is so much to look forward to. (AG)” (01/2021)

“Immediately shows a classic Sonoma Coast flavour profile: loaded with bay leaf, fern and black cherry. It's pure and persistent, with a lovely airy texture and just enough tannic grip. Coastlands is on the first ridge inland from the Pacific Ocean at 275m. The vineyard gives naturally tiny clusters of berries, often without seeds, imbuing the resulting wines with deep colour and texture without bitter compounds. (ML)” (04/2021)