Winemaker Notes
Sourced from multiple vineyards, Williams Selyem's inaugural offering is prototypical with blue fruits, black cherry, and fresh herbs. The long growing season allows for a refinement to the tannin structure while maintaining a sense of levity due to the acid freshness. The finish is lovely and compelling with a sensation of cherry stone.
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
A new concept introduced by winemaker Jeff Mangahas in 2022, the 2022 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley was sourced from multiple vineyards and offers notes of grenadine, violets, wild herbs, pine needles, and a hint of graphite mineral lift. It has a ripe feel, with a plush, ripe tannin structure and lovely, fresh lift on the finish. I liked its gravelly texture, and it has a great finish.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley is new to the Williams Selyem portfolio. Matured in 50% new oak for 11 months, it has the dark, conifer-laced aromas characteristic of Anderson Valley: blueberry and blackberry preserves mingle with tones of pennyroyal, wild mint, licorice and turned earth. The medium-bodied palate offers deeply concentrated, perfumed flavors structured by powdery tannins and seamless acidity, and it has a long finish laced with black tea notes.
-
Wine Spectator
This knits creamed mulberry and raspberry fruit together with licorice threads, adds in violet and iris details, and then carries them through the stylish and silky finish. Drink now through 2030. 1,487 cases made.
Anderson Valley, located in Mendocino County just above Sonoma County, is one of California’s coolest AVAs, allowing it a long growing season. Only 15 miles long, the region makes a slice eastward through the mountains, from the frigid Pacific Ocean. Dramatic diurnal temperature variations here preserve grape acidity and thus freshness in the finished wines. These are prime conditions for growing Pinot Noir, and the valley produces many fine versions. Characteristics of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir typically include crisp acidity, cranberry and strawberry notes as well as earthy notes of forest floor and mushroom.
Still Pinot Noir, however, is only part of the story. Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay, are also grown for Anderson Valley’s exceptional sparkling wines. Produced via the traditional method, these offer a classic toasty note from lees aging, bright, complex fruit notes and a clean, refreshing character.