Williams Selyem, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2019

 Among this northern California Pinot’s attributes are lush aromas and plentiful flavors — but the wine is not at all heavy or overbearing.  Its flavor profile suggests strawberry, dried cherry, and a little sweet spice with subtle hints of chocolate lingering on the palate.  The rich flavors are balanced by a gossamer texture that is due at least in part to the unique character of the Yorkville Highlands.  The region’s elevation (ranging between 850 and 2500 feet) and its mix of soils (including ancient brittle rock and gravel) clearly have an impact on the quality of the grapes.  The Russian River appellation includes some 40,000 acres that span Alexander Valley on the Southeast and Anderson Valley on the Northwest.  Thanks to this diverse setting and to regular diurnal shifts in temperature (mostly cool evenings and warm daytime temperatures) a diversity of different grapes can thrive here.