Winemaker James Hall produces several Pinot Noirs from each vintage, most of them vineyard-designated. Yet the Sonoma Coast blend almost always makes a vibrant impression on me, in the way that many young Williams & Selyem Pinots do. From the cool and low-yielding 2011 vintage, this wine has great verve and freshness, with sweet-tart fresh blackberry and raspberry flavors and nuances of black olive and oak spice. It’s mouthwatering and versatile with food, and is a good candidate for cellaring, if one has the patience to do so.
Patz & Hall, Sonoma Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2011
By Linda Murphy