Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Sporting a wealth of precise, deeply drawn, Pinot Noir fruit and an altogether impeccable sense of balance, this compelling and compulsively drinkable wine ranks tops on our list of Williams Selyem favorites. Never other than optimally ripe and insistently focused on sweet cherries with deft accents of creamy oak adding richness, it is a friendly, deceptively deep effort that eschews bombast in favor of refinement and focused Pinot character.
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Wine Enthusiast
Ferrington is one of Anderson Valley's greatest vineyards, and this wine is stunning. Fully dry and elegant in structure, with fine acidity and dusty tannins, it offers a wealth of cola, cherry pie, mushu plum sauce, cinnamon and cardamom spice flavors. Will easily develop over the next eight years.
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.