2009 Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

SKU #1117425 94 points Wine Enthusiast

A rich, dramatic wine that impresses for sheer deliciousness and elegance. It’s pretty much as good as the winery’s single-vineyard bottlings, but considerably less in price. Dry and silky, it shows beautiful acidity that makes the raspberry, cherry, cola, rhubarb, bacon and spice flavors sing. (8/2011)

91 points Connoisseurs Guide

If anything, this wine is even more tightly focused than the entry above, and its pure red cherry and dried flower fruit is the stuff that has made the Russian River Valley so rightfully proud of its ability to produce some of the finest Pinots on the planet. If a bit less concentrated than the Westside Road bottling, this one does boast impeccable balance from front to back and its own likeable touch of varietal velvet. (6/2011)

90 points James Suckling

A very fruity red with strawberry and lemon character. However, there is a subtlety to this wine with fine tannins and very pretty fruit. Some mineral and floral character too. Better in 2013. (6/2012)

90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Bright ruby. Rather brooding aromas of deep dark berries and cherry, with hints of sassafras and licorice. Juicy and broad in the mouth, offering densely packed cherry-cola and black raspberry flavors and a chewy texture. Finishes with solid grip and very good thrust, with the cola note repeating. This one will require some patience. (ST) 90+ (5/2011)

90 points Wine & Spirits

A velvet nap of richness carries dark fruit flavors of black raspberries, blueberries and a hint of tar. This is a rich, smoky pinot, its tannins youthful in their coarse grain without feeling heavy or stolid. Instead, there's a spicy lift to the finish. For roast boar. (10/2011)