2017 Olivet Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir

In the glass, the vibrant red color immediately evokes images of red fruits and roses. Notes of vanilla mix with bergamot and complement the red cherry and raspberry aromas, while deep base notes of saddle leather belie the fruit and further add complexity. Hints of fresh herbs round out the kaleidoscope of aromas. The red fruit character comes through on the tongue and is framed with notes of Earl Grey tea. The palate has a sense of harmony with a great acid-to-tannin balance which makes the wine very approachable in its youth. The older vines in the Olivet Lane vineyard have a polished texture that allows for early consumption. However, make no mistake that this wine can benefit from several years of aging.

Reviews

92 / Wine and Spirits

This grows at Pelegrini family’s vineyard in Santa Rosa, one of the first plantings of pinot noir in the Russian River Valley. The vines are now well past 40, and their concentrated fruit produced a taut and juicy 2017. That fruit comes in shades of red, from Bing cherry to ripe strawberry and darker raspberry, generous, cool and spicy. Oak keeps it structured with a cinnamon bark note. Decant it for a salad of duck confit and pomegranate. J.G.

94 / Vinous

The 2017 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard is soft, open-knit and inviting. Red berry fruit, silky tannins and expressive floral/spice overtones give the 2017 much of its undeniably allure. I imagine the 2017 will provide readers with a long window of drinking pleasure.

94 / Wine Advocate

The 2017 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard is pale to medium ruby-purple with a poignant nose of blueberry, red berry preserves, Earl Grey tea leaves, warm blackberry and dusty earth. Light to medium-bodied with a concentrated core of perfumed fruits, it offers wonderful freshness and a soft frame of tannins, with baking spices coming through on the finish. 347 cases were made. Anticipated maturity: 2020 – 2030.

96 / Wine Enthusiast

Pungently floral and inviting, this vineyard site is in the heart of the Olivet Lane District, a historic part of the larger appellation. Orange and rhubarb flavors contribute a fleshy texture and a biting, high-toned lilt of acidity. Persistent notes of Asian spice and black tea give it complexity and length. —V.B.

Alcohol
13.9%
pH
3.36
TA
0.62g/100mL
Barrel Aging
14 months
Barrel Selection
66% new, 34% 1 yr.

When to Drink

2020-2027

Learn more about cellaring and opening Williams Selyem wines.

Growing Region

Russian River Valley

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