The 2007 Pinot Noir Flax Vineyard possesses one of the deepest ruby colors of all these Pinots as well as a big, sweet nose of boysenberries, black cherries, earth, and spice. Rich and medium to full-bodied, it is among the most generous, sumptuous, and accessible of these offerings. It should continue to drink well for a decade or more. The single vineyard Pinot Noirs are made from a wide range of California vineyards, primarily in the north, with Russian River and Sonoma Coast dominating, but there is also an Anderson Valley site (Ferrington), San Benito site (Vista Verde), and Yorkville Highlands (Weir). The Chardonnays are nearly as powerful as the Zinfandels in terms of alcohol strength, ranging from 14.5% to 14.8%. Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546

The 2007 Pinot Noir Flax Vineyard possesses one of the deepest ruby colors of all these Pinots as well as a big, sweet nose of boysenberries, black cherries, earth, and spice. Rich and medium to full-bodied, it is among the most generous, sumptuous, and accessible of these offerings. It should continue to drink well for a decade or more. The single vineyard Pinot Noirs are made from a wide range of California vineyards, primarily in the north, with Russian River and Sonoma Coast dominating, but there is also an Anderson Valley site (Ferrington), San Benito site (Vista Verde), and Yorkville Highlands (Weir). The Chardonnays are nearly as powerful as the Zinfandels in terms of alcohol strength, ranging from 14.5% to 14.8%.Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546

Despite firm tannins and tough acidity this wine is so rich and silky, you can drink it now, with decanting. It floods the mouth with raspberries, cherries, chocolate, anise, cinnamon spice and sweet oak. Absolutely delicious, with a silky, seductive mouthfeel. Although it’s the least expensive of Williams Selyem’s new releases, it’s right up there.——S.H.(2/1/2010)—— 94