Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir – Vintage 2023
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A benchmark Pinot Noir from one of California’s most iconic producers. Only 656 cases crafted, this 2023 vintage beautifully captures the Russian River Valley’s signature elegance and vibrancy. It’s a wine that balances precision and grace, proof that fine, age-worthy Pinot is alive and thriving in Sonoma.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherries, wild raspberries, and pomegranate glide alongside hints of rose petal, orange zest, and forest floor. Subtle spice and oak tones weave seamlessly into the fruit, creating layers of depth and charm.

Mouthfeel
Silky, balanced, and pure. Medium-bodied with lively acidity and ultra-fine tannins that give it both structure and lift. The wine literally dances on the palate, finishing long and elegant with a whisper of red fruit and spice.

Food Pairings
Perfect alongside duck confit, herb-crusted salmon, mushroom risotto, or roasted poultry with truffle butter.

Verdict
A polished and expressive Pinot Noir that speaks of place and precision. Williams Selyem continues to set the gold standard for Russian River Valley finesse, delivering both immediacy and cellar potential.

Did You Know?
Williams Selyem was among the pioneers of single-vineyard Pinot Noir in California. Their minimalist approach, native yeasts, gentle extraction, and minimal filtration, has influenced generations of winemakers aiming for purity of terroir. — 12 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir – Vintage 2023
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An exquisitely balanced Pinot Noir that bridges sophistication and accessibility with effortless grace. This Sonoma Coast expression from Williams Selyem encapsulates the winery’s hallmark finesse, purity of fruit, silky texture, and a sense of place that feels both coastal and timeless.

Aromas & Flavors
A radiant medley of red berries; strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry, accented by rose petals, wet stone, and a touch of baking spice. The fruit feels pure and translucent, lifted by cool coastal energy.

Mouthfeel
Silky and impeccably polished, with a seamless mid-palate glide. The interplay of fruit, acidity, and texture is so harmonious it makes you pause between sips , a masterclass in balance.

Food Pairings
Ideal with cedar-plank salmon, duck breast with cherry glaze, or wild mushroom risotto. Its versatility shines across both elegant and rustic cuisine.

Verdict
A Pinot that pleases both the collector and the casual drinker, sophisticated yet inviting. It resonates with critics and enthusiasts alike, a true reflection of Williams Selyem’s craftsmanship on the Sonoma Coast.

Did You Know?
The Sonoma Coast AVA, cooled by Pacific fog and ocean breezes, produces some of California’s most refined and age-worthy Pinot Noirs. This 2023 vintage captures that maritime freshness beautifully.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A wine of quiet brilliance, where restraint meets depth. Each sip feels intentional, reminding you how elegant California Pinot can truly be. — 9 hours ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2000 pours a deep garnet/purple with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated red and black fruits: mixed brambles, black cherry, some fruit leather, some actual leather, pipe tobacco, black pepper, some mushrooms and decomposing earth and gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (integrated) and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose where the fruit comes across a bit more desiccated and no less delicious. The finish is long. Drink now. — 24 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Deep Ruby color with aromas of black fruits, cedar and baking spice. On the palate flavors of ripe cherry and strawberry with cola, floral and sweet cinnamon herb spice notes. Full-bodied, fine grainy tannins, long finish ending with fruit, toasty oak, herbs and a savory earthy mineral character. Nice! — 9 days ago

ESF

9.2

had this over a year ago and it's noticeably better, more defined fruit & secondary notes, opulent, rich smooth - so consistent year in year out, this will rock for a decade or so — 9 days ago

Eric Grasser

9.3

Took awhile to open up but turned out to be a stunner. Nose of fresh violets with explosive Kirsch, dark raspberry and sandalwood flavors. Mouthfeel is tantalizing, smooth and well balanced. Racy acidity, fine tannins and long finish. Really exceptional for an appellation wine. — 3 days ago

Allison Lyzenga

9.2

Deep ruby; medium plus aromas of new leather, coconut, cocoa nibs, ripe red and black plums; high alcohol, high tannins — a month ago

Brandon Boesch

9.6

Such a good wine. One of the best in CA. Love the herbs and lighter bodied nature of this one. Cedar, purple fruits, herbs, so fresh but also such good fruit. — a month ago

Ericsson

9.3

Been a while since I last opened one these bad boys. Still young but great bottle. Tons of precision. — 12 days ago

Cole Wahouske

9.1

Fruit-forward, but well structured. Lots of different and aromas and flavors to speak of, the different varieties mesh well…very eclectic but a little eager. — 12 days ago