2009 Williams Selyem "Papera" Russian River Valley Zinfandel
SKU #1108163
93 points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Opaque ruby. Intensely aromatic nose offers candied red berries along with seductive notes of woodsmoke, spicecake and incense. Lush raspberry and blackberry compote flavors expand and deepen with air, with sweet floral pastille and cola notes coming up with air and lingering on the long, juicy finish. This suave, creamy, utterly seductive Zin is already drinking awfully well. Cabral told me that these vines were planted in 1932.
(6/2011)
92 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Zinfandel Papera Vineyard caresses the palate with dark red fruit, sweet herbs, tobacco, licorice and crushed flowers. There is an inner warmth and sweetness that gives the Papera much of its textured, open personality. I especially like the energy, focus and vibrancy. Exotic fruit, herb and spiced notes add complexity on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. (AG)
(2/2012)
92 points
Wine Enthusiast
Strikes a nice balance between the softness of the ’08 and the firmness of the ’07. A beautiful Zinfandel, made in the winery’s style of big, ripely extracted fruit and high alcohol. Massive in raspberry and cherry jam, red licorice, gingersnap cookie, cola, clove, black pepper and smoky cedar flavors, its extraordinary richness is balanced with fine, thick tannins.
(2/2012)
90 points
Connoisseurs Guide
Here is a wine made for Zinfandel purists and not one for casual sipping. Many will find it too ripe and so juicy as to hint faintly at sweetness, but its incisive varietal focus is beyond dispute, and what it may lack in nuance is more than made up for in fruity richness. It freshening acidity makes for a long, very bright finish, and, while wholly enjoyable now, it will age famously and might pick up a little extra complexity along the way.
(1/2012)
Wine Spectator
Deeply structured and briary, with black raspberry and fresh pepper aromas and zesty flavors of blueberry, dill and anise. Tannins firm up the finish. Best from 2013 through 2017. (TF, Web-2012)
