Williams & Selyem

TRL/Staff/Wine: 10/10/10

2010 Chenin Blanc Limestone Ridge at Vista Verde Vineyard $25/$19

Stirred with the lees given the fermentation is done in concrete eggs, giving it a bigger mouthfeel. The nose is blank but the palate has bright, tart, lemony/limey flavor.

2006 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Precious Mountain Vineyard $94 /$95 ($115)

This is a spectacular wine! The nose is unique, bright with bing cherry, red currant, with notes of strawberry, charcoal, and vanilla beans.  The vanilla notes leave a silky finish and incredible sense that no other pinot has ever done. The fresh, ripe raspberry dominates the palate, but the layer of vanilla adds to this incredibly complex pinot.  Don’t swirl this too much, it’s too delicate.

2008 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $49/$50

Mix of Russian River Valley Dijon Clones (115, 667) and Pommard clones with true Sonoma Coast grapes. Notes of wild berries, fresh herbs, cranberries, and white pepper.  The palate brings forth notes of ripe berries, fresh herbs, and a long, silky finish. Don’t swirl this too much, it’s too delicate.

2010 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $49/$54

Much of the same nose as the 2008, with notes of wild raspberry, rose petal and hints of mocha. The palate explodes with notes of wild berries, white pepper, cranberries, and a silky finish.

2008 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir $49/$49

More Pommard clones. Lush fruit with full body and (Pommard and Dijon 115). Blackberries, plums, and hints of toffee on the bouquet. The dark fruit finishes boldly with a silky mouthfeel.

2006 Hawk Hill Chardonnay Russian River Valley $50/$35

Very rich honey and fig notes on the nose and palate.  This is a fantastic chardonnay; however, you could not pull it as a “chardonnay”.  You need to know that this is a more honey, creamy, fig-like fruit wine which would pair beautifully with the cream-cheese fig cracker appetizer or the a delicious apricot-cheddar cheese.  Lovely. Even though this is an oaked wine, it’s smooth as though it wasn’t.