TNs: Divergent styles of wine on a Sunday night (Novy and Williams Selyem)

WINE TALK
1
  • 2004 Novy Family Wines Syrah Susan’s Hill Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands (11/15/2009)
    15.2% alcohol. This is, simply put, absolutely rocking good stuff. First tasted out of barrel back in 2005, when it was inky black and full of fruit and a wall of tannins. Now, with a few years in bottle, it has mellowed out somewhat but still retains that absolute monster personality. It fills up your glass and palate with delicousness. Nearly black color still. Awesome nose of blue and black fruit, with a rich, meaty edge to it. In the mouth, a bully without being brawny. Loads of fruit and then a wall of complexity and structure. Strong acidity. Marvelous finish. Still some tannins, but the balance is there, and it’s got such a compelling complement of flavors. A-/A
  • 2005 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Sonoma County - USA, California, Sonoma County (11/15/2009)
    13.8% alcohol. Light cherry color. Beautiful nose of red cherry, black cherry, a bit of spice, and a distinct floral note. In the mouth, elegant and with great balance. Full of fruit, with good layers of floral and mineral complexity. Gentle but necessary acidity. Long finish. Delightful and retaining plenty of life for a few more years. A-

Posted from CellarTracker

2

Gutz, I dig your TN on the Novy. I have been holding on to my last bottle and wondering where it would head–your data point is appreciated. If I can find the right setting, I would like to open it alongside the 04 Lucia SH (which may be my 2009 WOTY). Your descriptor on the Novy is why I drink and love CA syrah so much.

3

Thanks, Frank. That means a lot … you’re the king of CA Syrah notes. It’s a heck of a wine. It’s got lots of life ahead of it, too. Freaking awesome.

4

Nice notes on the Williams-Selyem, Tom!

I have one bottle remaining in my cellar, and perhaps I should place it on the ‘drink wish list’ within CT and consume in the near term!

5

Thanks for the writeup. The '05 WS is indeed fantastic stuff; unfortunately, my stash is gone! [cray.gif]

6

I’ve got one more bottle, Brett.

Maybe we can share it!

7

[winner.gif] Yes! Yes!

8

I’ll try to save it for you. Either you come down here and we’ll drink it up, or we’ll have to find an offline where we are both present.

9

Awesome! I have some more '05 WS so we could compare side by side.