Sonoma County, California
Williams Selyem
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2002
Fitch Mountain Cellars
Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Year in, year out this is one of the more reliable values in California Cabernet. I think it’s sort of a second wine of Optima and I’m certain I’ve tried every vintage since 2001 because it rarely disappoints. I used to be able to swoop it for around $17 but it’s closer to $30 retail these days. Nevertheless, great QPR. Popped and poured; consumed over three days and best on Day 3. The 2017 pours deep ruby with an opaque core. The nose black currants, grilled kofta, purple flowers, baking spice and very light pyrazines…almost undetectable. On the palate, dark and red fruits, smoke and baking spice. Dry. Medium tannin; medium acid. Finish is medium…and savory. A totally respectable Tuesday night wine. — 16 days ago
Ferren Wines
Frei Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016
Even though I’m a big fan of Ferren’s Frei Rd Chardonnay, this was my first Frei Rd Pinot.
Not sure of normal experiences here, but the richness here seems to fall in between Rivers Marie (love) and Aubert (just so so for me). Darker color in the glass…bit of a purple tinge to it. Aromatically it sports potpourri, violets, underripe black cherries, underripe blue fruit and some cedar. Initially, the front palate seems like it will be heavy based on all of the flavors but it turns really elegant. Dark chocolate, a slight roasted character, and spicy fruits. With RM, I get that orange zest note, and with Aubert, I get more alcohol and kirsch. My in between note here is more ripe pomegranate than either of the others. These probably need 5-7yrs from vintage to be in a good spot. Followed over two days and stayed consistent. — 12 days ago
Bedrock Wine Co.
Cuvée Caritas Sémillon Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Medium gold in the glass…clear, touch of green color. Touch of oxidation on the nose.,.apricots, some bitter green stem. Nice weight and long finish. — 2 days ago
Kukeri
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2019
Reddish in color with medium intensity.
Fruity nose with cherries, ripe strawberries, raspberries, light oak, vegetables, earth and spices.
Medium-bodied with medium acidity.
Dry on the palate with raspberries, strawberries, bing cherries, oak, wild flowers, light vanilla, spices, dark chocolates, herbs and peppercorn.
Medium finish with soft tannins and tangy raspberries.
This young Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast is drinking nicely already. Fruit forward and easy drinking. Light and approachable.
This Single Vineyard is showing mild complexity with a nice mouthfeel.
After after an hour of airtime, it gets earthier, with some bitter herb notes. Would be nice to revisit it in 2 years.
Good right out of the bottle and good with food. I paired it with a charcuterie board of meats and cheeses.
A very small production of only 5 barrels.
14.2% alcohol by volume.
89 points.
$42. — 4 days ago
David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Not exactly pizza wine but, I bought six bottles of this 02 Williams Selyem for $35-$36 w/ tax & fees recently on the secondary market. I have enjoyed a number of their 02’s for many years…such a great Pinot Noir Sonoma vintage. Especially, for WS. I feel for the seller who actually barely might have broke even or even lost a couple of bucks on this sale after fees.
Still spectacular after 18 plus years in bottle. She is still strutting her stuff.
Visually you look at the color in the glass, it’s silty & cloudy.
The body is ripe, rich, smooth & shining integration. The fruits bright, somewhat candied, floral & showing shades of stewed. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, cherries, poached strawberries, pomegranate juice, slightly dry cranberries, raspberries with singing purple & blue fruits as it sets. Some dark, rich, dark forest floor with dry leaves & twigs w/ tree sap, vanillin, nutmeg, cinnamon, dark spices, notes of dry herbaceousness - bay leaf, sage & marjoram, black licorice, mixed berry cola, powdery limestone & dry rocks, just a hint of pepper, grilled, savory meats, fresh tobacco leaves, red, blue, dark flowers laid in a field of violets. The acidity is like a spring shower. The finish is rich, ruby, well knitted & balanced with length & polish for days.
Its subtle knock, a touch hot at the beginning with it fading in the second glass.
The 02 is singing with another 3-5 years of good drinking ahead. It’s new world with Burgundy threads.
For me, this WS Pinot Noir is seriously peaking. Best bottle of the 02 WS Sonoma Coast I have enjoyed over the 12-15 bottles I’ve had.
Definitely pushing 94. I stole these amazing bottles. Thank you universe. — 6 days ago