While a dinner party for the ladies occurred on our rooftop on a warm and balmy Santa Barbara evening, I bolted to a nearby restaurant, Downey`s, to treat myself to dinner. I pulled this wine from the cellar, paired it with a great and appropriate duck confit entree, shared it with the server and enjoyed a rare night out on my own.
1997 WILLIAMS SELYEM ALLEN VINEYARD PINOT NOIR- from one of my favorite vineyards and the last vintage made by Burt Williams before the sale in 98, this beauty just exudes charm and elegance; its so youthful with its bright red, purple color and fresh fruit profile; red cherry and cranberry dominate early on and later on are joined by raspberry and a little strawberry, all with a hit of cinnamon spice; the mouthfeel is smooth and easy, the body is of medium weight and it has great length; this wine can go for another decade or 2 easy and it paired perfectly with the duck course.