From a new Mendocino appellation called Yorkville Highlands, the 2001 Pinot Noir Weir Vineyard (493 cases) possesses an austere structure along with notes of sweet and sour cherries, sassafras, chocolate, and balsam wood. Medium-bodied, with a distinctive cool climate personality as well as a tannic finish, it should be consumed over the next 5-6 years. All things considered, 2001 and 2002 are the finest back-to-back vintages I have tasted from Williams-Selyem.Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546

Some will like the distinctive coffee, cola, menthol, cherry candy and mineral flavors, and the rather heavy, thick mouthfeel of this tannic wine. It should soften up with a few years in the bottle. ——S.H.(5/1/2004)—— 86