Wine Article
2019 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors
Last edited on 3/11/2021 by alexparr
This is the only version of this article / View version history
WINEMAKER COMMENTS
Another classic in the making, the Westside Road Neighbors is a must-have. The fruit purity is outstanding with aromas of crystalline red fruits along with notes of macerated Amarena cherry. Aromas of bergamot, cedar, and dried herbs blend in this wonderfully complex and layered wine. Mouthcoating and rich, the palate offers layer upon layer of various red and black fruits. Citrus and black tea notes offer a fresh liveliness while finishing with a touch of minerals to give this wine its signature fineness.
THE VINEYARDS
The Pinot Noir for this blend was sourced from neighboring vineyards along Westside Road: Allen, Bacigalupi, Bucher, Flax, Rochioli Riverblock, and our Williams Selyem Estate.
HARVEST 2019
The 2019 growing season started with ample rainfall in the winter months and finished well above average. Wet soil and cool temperatures conspired to delay bud break nearly two weeks later than historical average. Moderate to slightly above average temperatures ensued and the vegetative cycle caught up. Flowering started under ideal conditions but a late May rain event delayed flowering for a week. This had some impact and created some shatter and smaller clusters. These smaller clusters are desirable because they are looser and the smaller the berry, the higher the tendency to yield concentrated and flavorful wines. The remainder of the growing season was largely uneventful. August was largely fog-free, so the nights were warmer and the days sunnier which tended to move photosynthesis and maturation along more quickly. The harvest schedule was mostly routine and rather leisurely with grapes arriving to the winery in pristine condition. The 2019 wines are impressive with excellent color, depth, and precision of site. The polish of the tannins and softer acid profiles will offer early appeal but can certainly hold on for years.
TECHNICAL NOTES
Barrel Description: 61% new, 39% 1 yr.
Barrel Aged: 14 months
pH: 3.54
TA: 0.58g/100mL
Alc: 13.6%
Released Spring 2021
$75
Source: Winery web site
Another classic in the making, the Westside Road Neighbors is a must-have. The fruit purity is outstanding with aromas of crystalline red fruits along with notes of macerated Amarena cherry. Aromas of bergamot, cedar, and dried herbs blend in this wonderfully complex and layered wine. Mouthcoating and rich, the palate offers layer upon layer of various red and black fruits. Citrus and black tea notes offer a fresh liveliness while finishing with a touch of minerals to give this wine its signature fineness.
THE VINEYARDS
The Pinot Noir for this blend was sourced from neighboring vineyards along Westside Road: Allen, Bacigalupi, Bucher, Flax, Rochioli Riverblock, and our Williams Selyem Estate.
HARVEST 2019
The 2019 growing season started with ample rainfall in the winter months and finished well above average. Wet soil and cool temperatures conspired to delay bud break nearly two weeks later than historical average. Moderate to slightly above average temperatures ensued and the vegetative cycle caught up. Flowering started under ideal conditions but a late May rain event delayed flowering for a week. This had some impact and created some shatter and smaller clusters. These smaller clusters are desirable because they are looser and the smaller the berry, the higher the tendency to yield concentrated and flavorful wines. The remainder of the growing season was largely uneventful. August was largely fog-free, so the nights were warmer and the days sunnier which tended to move photosynthesis and maturation along more quickly. The harvest schedule was mostly routine and rather leisurely with grapes arriving to the winery in pristine condition. The 2019 wines are impressive with excellent color, depth, and precision of site. The polish of the tannins and softer acid profiles will offer early appeal but can certainly hold on for years.
TECHNICAL NOTES
Barrel Description: 61% new, 39% 1 yr.
Barrel Aged: 14 months
pH: 3.54
TA: 0.58g/100mL
Alc: 13.6%
Released Spring 2021
$75
Source: Winery web site