Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Deep Ruby red color with aromas of black fruits, cedar and baking spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and strawberry with cola, floral and sweet cinnamon herb spice notes. Full-bodied, fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, toasty oak, herbs and a savory earthy mineral character. Nice! — 17 hours ago

Ericsson

9.3

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

Ericsson

9.5

One of those unicorn wines aged wonderfully. One to remember. — a month ago

Adam

9.5

Less bold than a typical CS, which I liked. Smooth and rich. Loved the flavor profile. Will gladly buy again. — 29 minutes 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. — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.4

My second opportunity to enjoy the 1990 Rafanelli Cabernet in the last five years and I’m happy to report that it’s still chugging along quite nicely!

Popped and poured; enjoyed from red Solo cups over the course of a few hours. The 1990 pours, a deep garnet color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and significant sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous yet the fruit remains remarkably fresh! Still with a lovely mix of red and dark brambles and cassis, leather, tobacco, mushrooms, earth and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. I continue to be impressed with the ageability of these wines that were made by Dave Rafanelli. Drink now through 2030+. — a month ago

Jim Frank

9.4

Very smooth. Loved it. Put it in decanter 2 hours before and put in refrigerator 20 minutes — 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. — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.1

From magnum. Popped and poured into red Solo cups; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2008 pours a deep ruby purple color with a near opaque core; medium plus viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart, red and black fruits: mixed brambles, black cherry, black pepper, leather, dry earth and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is medium plus. Still pretty fresh and considering this is one of the more long-lived examples of Zinfandel I can think of, there is almost no end in sight. Drink now through 2043. — a month ago

Kelley Raymond

9.2

Needs a bit more aging but a great drinker - more like patio wine — 8 days ago