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WesMar Winery
| Owner(s) | Kirk Hubbard, Denise Selyem |
| Web site | www.wesmarwinery.com |
| Link to this site |
WesMar is a small garagiste-styled winery in the Russian River Valley that produces “faat” Pinots (sublime combinations of fruit, alcohol, acidity and tannin). The label is modeled after the original Williams Selyem winery. This is not surprising since co-owner Denise Mary Selyem is the daughter of Ed Selyem and both her and her husband Kirk Wesley Hubbard worked at Williams Selyem for several years before the winery was sold in 1997. They craft their wines in a small industrial space in a former apple processing plant on Gravenstein Highway in Sebastopol. They are a two person, 50/50 operation, sharing all winemaking and winery management duties. There are no employees, consultants or brokers.
Kirk and Denise love contact with their consumers. They are very personable and warmly receive visitors by appointment to their modest 1,500 square foot winery. They run a truly honest and unadulterated winery. I kidded them about selling their wines directly on their website, but they will hear nothing of it, preferring to deal with their customers on a more personal level.
There are two distinctive hallmarks of WesMar (pronounced “Wes-Mare”) Pinot Noir. First, there is consistency from one vintage to the next and one bottle after another, regardless of vineyard source. I can honestly say I have been drinking WesMar Pinot Noir for six years and have never had a bad bottle. Second, their several bottlings from each vintage are all unique. As Denise says, “People tend to gravitate toward that which is familiar. This may be even more true with wines. We all want to replicate the success we have had with a particular vineyard or vintage. To counter this phenomenon, we strive to make wines that all have individual personalities but offer very similar levels of richness. “ Denise refers to these distinct terroir-driven differences as “WesMarrior.”
The wines offered will vary with the vintage but there is usually a Russian River Valley blend, a Sonoma Coast blend, and single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from Salzgeber Vineyard (Russian River Valley), Balletto Vineyard (Sonoma Coast), Oehlman Vineyard (Russian River Valley), and Hellenthal Vineyard (Sonoma Coast).
Wes Mar Winery mailing address is P.O Box 810, Forestville, CA 95436. Tasting is available by appointment by calling 707-829-8824. The wines are sold through a mailing list with very little retail availability. There is distribution to many fine restaurants including Sona in Los Angeles, Mr Stox in Anaheim, and Cyrus in Healdsburg (all in California), as well as restaurants in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, New York and Texas. Magnums are available for all of the Pinot Noirs and are priced at just twice the cost of a single bottle.
Articles About WesMar Winery
Pinots from the Edge (6.57 4/7/2008)
Small Sips of Odds & Ends (6.57 4/7/2008)
Small Sips of Russian River Valley Pinot (7.9 1/1/2009)
Small Sips of the Russian River Valley (6.63 8/4/2008)
Tasting Olivet Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir (7.11 1/28/2009)
WesMar: Aromas that Dance in the Glass (8.4 10/29/2009)
WesMar: Palate-Pleasing Pinot (6.53 2/18/2008)
Reviewed Wines
2007 WesMar Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 268 cases, $35. A
blend of the WesMar Russian River Valley vineyard designates.
·
Slight haze.
Enticing aromas of spiced cherries, forest floor, sandalwood and a bit of floral
scent. Medium-weighted core of tasty cherries, strawberries and raspberries with
a hint of spice. Supple tannins and lively balancing acidity. Stylish, smooth and
elegant. Not quite the mid-palate intensity and complexity of the other wines in
the lineup, but a delightful wine in its own right. Very good.
Reviewed October 29, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 WesMar Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 316 cases, $35.
Primarily a blend of Hellenthal and Balletto vineyards.
·
Intense, fruity nose
featuring black cherries, black raspberries, a hint of spice and
sandalwood. Too bad there isn’t a way to bottle this scent as an
aphrodisiac. Rich, vivid and juicy black cherry bombast with Moroccan
spices clothed in velvety tannins. The wine delivers a well-structured midpalate
hit of dark fruit that is tenacious and persistent on the finish. This one has
the whole package for me.
Reviewed October 29, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 WesMar Oehlman Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 267 cases, $37.
·
Alluring aromas of cherries and berries,
potpourri and spring flowers. Intense, slightly confected cherry-berry
flavors, even a hint of candied apple with cinnamon spice. A touch of
citrus pulls the wine into focus. Seamless and elegant and the most
feminine wine in the lineup. Often one of my favorite WesMar bottlings
and this year is no exception.
Reviewed October 29, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 WesMar Balletto Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc.,
255 cases, $40.
·
Copious black cherries and olallieberries are dominant
accented by a hint of oak, barnyard and Middle Eastern spice on the
enticing nose. Luscious and generous on the palate tasting of a perfectly
ripe dark cherry. Gossamer tannins make for a silky mouth feel and easy
drinkability. Finishes with an endless echo of scent and fruit. I could still
taste this wine the next day. If I had to pick just one in the lineup, this would be
my paramour.
Reviewed October 29, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 WesMar Salzgeber Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4%
alc., 129 cases, $45.
·
This wine shows the earthy side of WesMar and is typical
of this vineyard. Lovely scent of cherries, herbs, and oak spice. Earth-kissed
dark stone fruits with a moderate tannic edge suggesting age ability. Smoothly
textured with a very long finish that has oak adding spicy layers to a satisfying
conclusion. Very good.
Reviewed October 29, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 262
cases, $50.
·
Darkest in color in the glass. Attractive aromas of blackberries, dark
plum, mocha and seasoned oak. On the palate the wine is well-structured,
displaying mouth-coating plum and dark berry fruits with underpinnings of dark
chocolate and loamy earth. The fruit is brooding initially, but picks up character
and charm with time, changing like a chameleon in the glass. The velvety texture
is very sensual. This wine demands contemplation. Very good (+).
Reviewed October 29, 2009
ARTICLE »
2006 Wes Mar Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $35.
·
Light ruby in color. The nose is reserved
but offers pleasant confected cherry aromas. Restrained red cherry fruit and a long cherry-driven
finish lasting more than 20 seconds. Fairly delicate with bright acidity. Still young and a bit reticent now,
picking up interest and flavor with time in the glass. A quite nice wine that shows off Pinot’s demure side.
Reviewed August 4, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 WesMar Oehlman Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 268 cases, $37.
This vineyard is located on Vine Hill Road (see photos below). As the vines here have matured here,
the fruit profile has trended toward a traditional Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. All Martini clones.
She said, “A true crowd pleaser. More cranberry, orange and dark tea notes.”
·
I say, pour this wine for
your wife or best friend. It is one seductive Pinot Noir. The aromas of strawberries, cherries, baking spice
and a hint of pepper draw you in and the aromatic theme carries through on the palate finishing long, dry
and clean. A hint of citrus adds tang. Feminine in style and demure in weight, it is quintessential Russian
River Pinot Noir.
Reviewed February 18, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 308 cases, $37.
Last vintage from this venerable vineyard. She said, “Tight when bottled but stunning now. Very traditional
Russian River cherry and strawberry flavors.”
·
I say, heady and intoxicating Bing cherry, strawberry
and cinnamon spice scents. Most sensual aromatics in the lineup. A WOW wine. Cherry driven
with many berries joining the party. The texture is soft as a newborn’s rear end and the finish lasts and
lasts. Impeccable balance and admirable acidity for food. Still great the next day. 10 cases left - act now!
Reviewed February 18, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 308 cases, $37. The final
bottling from Olivet Lane for WesMar.
·
Dark reddish-purple color. Complex aromatic profile of dark red cherries,
berries, baking spice, herbs, oak char and barnyard. Tasty dark red stone fruits with a burly, earthy edge.
Nicely composed and balanced with mild ripe tannins and a citrus peel tang on the lively finish. Not the fruit
intensity of the previous vintages and more in touch with the Olivet Lane Estate bottlings by Pellegrini.
Reviewed January 28, 2009
ARTICLE »
2005 WesMar Balletto Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 204 cases, $40. This vineyard
is located in the hills of western Sebastopol offering warm Russian River Valley conditions with
cooler Bodega Bay breezes. All Pommard clone. She said, “A teasing wine with nuances that pingpong
throughout.”
·
I say, the darkest wine in the lineup. Starts off with deep dark cherry fruit, cigar box,
oak and toast on the nose. A big gulp of black fruits with notes of cocoa that is lush and flashy leads the
attack. Showing a lot of leg, but a curvaceous one without flab. Soft as a down pillow. Delicious.
Reviewed February 18, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 WesMar Vintner’s Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 101 cases, $45. A
selection of the four best barrels of the 2005 vintage. She said, “A fruit basket of flavors. Still young.”
·
I
say, shy nose of strawberries and cherry fruit with a little funk. A hint of heat is evident. Dark cherry fruit,
cola and meat are peeking out on the palate but are currently overshadowed by woodsy notes. Great
structure for the long haul. Next day the wine was softer on the palate with more muted tannins but still
plenty of tannin to shed. Still a Lolita.
Reviewed February 18, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 115 cases, $50. Severe
spring coastal weather conditions reduced the fruit yields to 80% of average. A field blend of many
clones. The vineyard is located on a ridge top near Cazadero above the fog belt overlooking the Pacific
Ocean. Average yields are only one and a half tons per acre. She (Denise) said, “Dark in color,
dense and concentrated, packing a lot of wallop.” I say, dark ruby in color.
·
Effusive aromatics of dark
cherry, black raspberry, smoke, oak spice and toast. Dark stone fruit profile featuring prominent plum
flavors with a little sweetness or syrup inflection to the fruit. Full-bodied, sinewy and earthy with soft tannins.
Not as showy now as when released. Next day the fruit attack had softened. Wait a little longer on
this one.
Reviewed February 18, 2008
ARTICLE »
2004 WesMar Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 395 cases, $32. The foundation of this blend is the Oehlman Vineyard which was bottled as a vineyard designate in 2002 and 2003.
·
Stunning aromatics featuring crushed Bing cherries, spices and vanilla. How do they bottle that stuff? The wine is beautifully composed with cherries, cola and tea flavors dancing across the palate. Very light on its feet. The tannins are very fine and supple. Finishes with lively acidity. Wowee!
Reviewed July 17, 2006
2004 WesMar Balletto Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc.,
$37.
·
Starting with the first whiff of this one, fresh raspberry jam immediately
comes to mind. I kept saying WOW! out loud. The raspberry theme carries
over from the attack to the finish. There is some croissant notes for good
measure. A flawless wine with admirable acidity and fine tannins, I could
drink this one all night long.
Reviewed April 7, 2008
ARTICLE »
2004 WesMar Balletto Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 151 cases, $37. 75% Balletto Vineyard fruit. The vineyard is located near Freestone in the Sonoma Coast.
·
The nose takes a little coaxing but the aromatics eventually arrive on stage with panache, strutting fresh red and black Pinot fruits and spice. Plush in the mouth with luscious cherry and berry fruit and a little bit of Sonoma Coast earthiness. This wine is a little deeper, plumper and earthier than the others from this vintage, but it is still true to the house style with perfect balance and brisk acidity on the finish. Pinch me, I'm dreaming.
Reviewed July 17, 2006
2004 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4%.,177 cases, $37.
·
Evocative Bing cherry and raspberry fruit with a
sidecar of cardamon and cinnamon spice. Hi-toned and vivid with lively
acidity and supple tannins. Light on its feet and impeccably balanced, this
wine leaves a long, scented raspberry aroma on the finish. A little less fruit
extraction than the 2003 vintage, but equally satisfying.
Reviewed January 28, 2009
ARTICLE »
2004 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 177 cases, $37.
·
This wine has a "Oh, my God" nose perfumed with dark crushed stone fruits, a little nutmeg and a whiff of pie crust. In the mouth, luscious red and black fruits are highlighted by sweet vanilla and oak flavors and a good dose of cinnamon spice. There are some wet leaf and earth notes as well. This Pinot Noir has the most Burgundian sensibility in the lineup and its zippy acidity portends a long life in the cellar. A surf (refreshing acidity) and turf (earth and forest) Pinot Noir.
Reviewed July 17, 2006
2004 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 154 cases, $50. Inaugural vintage from this vineyard.
·
The aromatics are spectacular showing spicy cherry, black raspberry and nutmeg scents. The nose is a dead ringer for the 1992 Williams Selyem Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir. Beautiful Pinot fruits engulf the palate with velvety richness leading to a long, soft and clean finish. The character of this Pinot Noir is more Russian River Valley than Sonoma Coast. My notes say unbelievable, a great, great Pinot Noir. I guess that pretty much sums it up. Boo, hoo, sold out.
Reviewed July 17, 2006
2003 WesMar Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 345 cases. $29
·
Gorgeous scents of Bing
cherry, fig, cardamom and vanilla jump out immediately. Light in body, the red stone fruit and berry flavors
are enhanced by some cola, blood orange citrus and woodsy highlights. Plenty of lively acidity carries
the finish which lacks the fruit impact of the mid palate.
Reviewed February 18, 2008
ARTICLE »
2003 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 162 cases, $35.
·
Intense perfume of cherry liquor with hints of oak, spice and smoke. Plush and generous on the palate
but falls short of jammy, featuring dark cherry flavors, hints of cola and Asian spice, restrained tannins
and a velvety texture. This wine has surrendered none of its fruit strength and complexity over time and
has several good years ahead. A seductive wine of great charm.
Reviewed January 28, 2009
ARTICLE »
2003 WesMar Piner Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc, 206 cases, $35.
·
Perfect the
minute I pulled the cork. Complex aromatics of black cherry, spice, clove, oak, exotic woods and char.
Red and blue spiced fruits flow over the tongue like Mobil 1. Beautifully balanced. An honor to drink.
Reviewed February 18, 2008
ARTICLE »
2003 WesMar Piner Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $35.
·
This one comes at you full bore the minute the cork is pulled. Sexy aromas of Bing
cherry, Xmas spices, clove, exotic woods and oak char. Beautifully composed and
balanced dark berry and cherry fruits that flow over the tongue like Mobil 1. An
honor to drink,
Reviewed April 7, 2008
ARTICLE »
2003 WesMar Piner Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $35.
·
Sturdy on the
palate with a tasty core of black cherry and black raspberry fruit highlighted by sweet oak and mint. The
tannins are forbidding. Match this wine currently with hearty food.
Reviewed January 1, 2009
ARTICLE »
2002 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 185 cases, $35.
·
Intoxicating old wine bouquet featuring black raspberries, raisin, marzipan and lacquered wood. Roasted
berries and raisin carry through on the palate with notes of brown sugar. Silky in texture with some unobtrusive
tannin and a good acid spark on the finish. Charming and still pretty darn good, but should be drunk now.
Reviewed January 28, 2009
ARTICLE »
2007 WesMar Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 268 cases, $35. A blend of the WesMar Russian River Valley vineyard designates. · Slight haze. Enticing aromas of spiced cherries, forest floor, sandalwood and a bit of floral scent. Medium-weighted core of tasty cherries, strawberries and raspberries with a hint of spice. Supple tannins and lively balancing acidity. Stylish, smooth and elegant. Not quite the mid-palate intensity and complexity of the other wines in the lineup, but a delightful wine in its own right. Very good. Reviewed October 29, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 WesMar Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 316 cases, $35. Primarily a blend of Hellenthal and Balletto vineyards. · Intense, fruity nose featuring black cherries, black raspberries, a hint of spice and sandalwood. Too bad there isn’t a way to bottle this scent as an aphrodisiac. Rich, vivid and juicy black cherry bombast with Moroccan spices clothed in velvety tannins. The wine delivers a well-structured midpalate hit of dark fruit that is tenacious and persistent on the finish. This one has the whole package for me. Reviewed October 29, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 WesMar Oehlman Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 267 cases, $37. · Alluring aromas of cherries and berries, potpourri and spring flowers. Intense, slightly confected cherry-berry flavors, even a hint of candied apple with cinnamon spice. A touch of citrus pulls the wine into focus. Seamless and elegant and the most feminine wine in the lineup. Often one of my favorite WesMar bottlings and this year is no exception. Reviewed October 29, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 WesMar Balletto Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 255 cases, $40. · Copious black cherries and olallieberries are dominant accented by a hint of oak, barnyard and Middle Eastern spice on the enticing nose. Luscious and generous on the palate tasting of a perfectly ripe dark cherry. Gossamer tannins make for a silky mouth feel and easy drinkability. Finishes with an endless echo of scent and fruit. I could still taste this wine the next day. If I had to pick just one in the lineup, this would be my paramour. Reviewed October 29, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 WesMar Salzgeber Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 129 cases, $45. · This wine shows the earthy side of WesMar and is typical of this vineyard. Lovely scent of cherries, herbs, and oak spice. Earth-kissed dark stone fruits with a moderate tannic edge suggesting age ability. Smoothly textured with a very long finish that has oak adding spicy layers to a satisfying conclusion. Very good. Reviewed October 29, 2009 ARTICLE »
2007 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 262 cases, $50. · Darkest in color in the glass. Attractive aromas of blackberries, dark plum, mocha and seasoned oak. On the palate the wine is well-structured, displaying mouth-coating plum and dark berry fruits with underpinnings of dark chocolate and loamy earth. The fruit is brooding initially, but picks up character and charm with time, changing like a chameleon in the glass. The velvety texture is very sensual. This wine demands contemplation. Very good (+). Reviewed October 29, 2009 ARTICLE »
2006 Wes Mar Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., $35. · Light ruby in color. The nose is reserved but offers pleasant confected cherry aromas. Restrained red cherry fruit and a long cherry-driven finish lasting more than 20 seconds. Fairly delicate with bright acidity. Still young and a bit reticent now, picking up interest and flavor with time in the glass. A quite nice wine that shows off Pinot’s demure side. Reviewed August 4, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 WesMar Oehlman Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 268 cases, $37. This vineyard is located on Vine Hill Road (see photos below). As the vines here have matured here, the fruit profile has trended toward a traditional Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. All Martini clones. She said, “A true crowd pleaser. More cranberry, orange and dark tea notes.” · I say, pour this wine for your wife or best friend. It is one seductive Pinot Noir. The aromas of strawberries, cherries, baking spice and a hint of pepper draw you in and the aromatic theme carries through on the palate finishing long, dry and clean. A hint of citrus adds tang. Feminine in style and demure in weight, it is quintessential Russian River Pinot Noir. Reviewed February 18, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 308 cases, $37. Last vintage from this venerable vineyard. She said, “Tight when bottled but stunning now. Very traditional Russian River cherry and strawberry flavors.” · I say, heady and intoxicating Bing cherry, strawberry and cinnamon spice scents. Most sensual aromatics in the lineup. A WOW wine. Cherry driven with many berries joining the party. The texture is soft as a newborn’s rear end and the finish lasts and lasts. Impeccable balance and admirable acidity for food. Still great the next day. 10 cases left - act now! Reviewed February 18, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 308 cases, $37. The final bottling from Olivet Lane for WesMar. · Dark reddish-purple color. Complex aromatic profile of dark red cherries, berries, baking spice, herbs, oak char and barnyard. Tasty dark red stone fruits with a burly, earthy edge. Nicely composed and balanced with mild ripe tannins and a citrus peel tang on the lively finish. Not the fruit intensity of the previous vintages and more in touch with the Olivet Lane Estate bottlings by Pellegrini. Reviewed January 28, 2009 ARTICLE »
2005 WesMar Balletto Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 204 cases, $40. This vineyard is located in the hills of western Sebastopol offering warm Russian River Valley conditions with cooler Bodega Bay breezes. All Pommard clone. She said, “A teasing wine with nuances that pingpong throughout.” · I say, the darkest wine in the lineup. Starts off with deep dark cherry fruit, cigar box, oak and toast on the nose. A big gulp of black fruits with notes of cocoa that is lush and flashy leads the attack. Showing a lot of leg, but a curvaceous one without flab. Soft as a down pillow. Delicious. Reviewed February 18, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 WesMar Vintner’s Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., 101 cases, $45. A selection of the four best barrels of the 2005 vintage. She said, “A fruit basket of flavors. Still young.” · I say, shy nose of strawberries and cherry fruit with a little funk. A hint of heat is evident. Dark cherry fruit, cola and meat are peeking out on the palate but are currently overshadowed by woodsy notes. Great structure for the long haul. Next day the wine was softer on the palate with more muted tannins but still plenty of tannin to shed. Still a Lolita. Reviewed February 18, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 115 cases, $50. Severe spring coastal weather conditions reduced the fruit yields to 80% of average. A field blend of many clones. The vineyard is located on a ridge top near Cazadero above the fog belt overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Average yields are only one and a half tons per acre. She (Denise) said, “Dark in color, dense and concentrated, packing a lot of wallop.” I say, dark ruby in color. · Effusive aromatics of dark cherry, black raspberry, smoke, oak spice and toast. Dark stone fruit profile featuring prominent plum flavors with a little sweetness or syrup inflection to the fruit. Full-bodied, sinewy and earthy with soft tannins. Not as showy now as when released. Next day the fruit attack had softened. Wait a little longer on this one. Reviewed February 18, 2008 ARTICLE »
2004 WesMar Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 395 cases, $32. The foundation of this blend is the Oehlman Vineyard which was bottled as a vineyard designate in 2002 and 2003. · Stunning aromatics featuring crushed Bing cherries, spices and vanilla. How do they bottle that stuff? The wine is beautifully composed with cherries, cola and tea flavors dancing across the palate. Very light on its feet. The tannins are very fine and supple. Finishes with lively acidity. Wowee! Reviewed July 17, 2006
2004 WesMar Balletto Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $37. · Starting with the first whiff of this one, fresh raspberry jam immediately comes to mind. I kept saying WOW! out loud. The raspberry theme carries over from the attack to the finish. There is some croissant notes for good measure. A flawless wine with admirable acidity and fine tannins, I could drink this one all night long. Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »
2004 WesMar Balletto Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 151 cases, $37. 75% Balletto Vineyard fruit. The vineyard is located near Freestone in the Sonoma Coast. · The nose takes a little coaxing but the aromatics eventually arrive on stage with panache, strutting fresh red and black Pinot fruits and spice. Plush in the mouth with luscious cherry and berry fruit and a little bit of Sonoma Coast earthiness. This wine is a little deeper, plumper and earthier than the others from this vintage, but it is still true to the house style with perfect balance and brisk acidity on the finish. Pinch me, I'm dreaming. Reviewed July 17, 2006
2004 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4%.,177 cases, $37. · Evocative Bing cherry and raspberry fruit with a sidecar of cardamon and cinnamon spice. Hi-toned and vivid with lively acidity and supple tannins. Light on its feet and impeccably balanced, this wine leaves a long, scented raspberry aroma on the finish. A little less fruit extraction than the 2003 vintage, but equally satisfying. Reviewed January 28, 2009 ARTICLE »
2004 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 177 cases, $37. · This wine has a "Oh, my God" nose perfumed with dark crushed stone fruits, a little nutmeg and a whiff of pie crust. In the mouth, luscious red and black fruits are highlighted by sweet vanilla and oak flavors and a good dose of cinnamon spice. There are some wet leaf and earth notes as well. This Pinot Noir has the most Burgundian sensibility in the lineup and its zippy acidity portends a long life in the cellar. A surf (refreshing acidity) and turf (earth and forest) Pinot Noir. Reviewed July 17, 2006
2004 WesMar Hellenthal Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 154 cases, $50. Inaugural vintage from this vineyard. · The aromatics are spectacular showing spicy cherry, black raspberry and nutmeg scents. The nose is a dead ringer for the 1992 Williams Selyem Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir. Beautiful Pinot fruits engulf the palate with velvety richness leading to a long, soft and clean finish. The character of this Pinot Noir is more Russian River Valley than Sonoma Coast. My notes say unbelievable, a great, great Pinot Noir. I guess that pretty much sums it up. Boo, hoo, sold out. Reviewed July 17, 2006
2003 WesMar Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 345 cases. $29 · Gorgeous scents of Bing cherry, fig, cardamom and vanilla jump out immediately. Light in body, the red stone fruit and berry flavors are enhanced by some cola, blood orange citrus and woodsy highlights. Plenty of lively acidity carries the finish which lacks the fruit impact of the mid palate. Reviewed February 18, 2008 ARTICLE »
2003 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 162 cases, $35. · Intense perfume of cherry liquor with hints of oak, spice and smoke. Plush and generous on the palate but falls short of jammy, featuring dark cherry flavors, hints of cola and Asian spice, restrained tannins and a velvety texture. This wine has surrendered none of its fruit strength and complexity over time and has several good years ahead. A seductive wine of great charm. Reviewed January 28, 2009 ARTICLE »
2003 WesMar Piner Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc, 206 cases, $35. · Perfect the minute I pulled the cork. Complex aromatics of black cherry, spice, clove, oak, exotic woods and char. Red and blue spiced fruits flow over the tongue like Mobil 1. Beautifully balanced. An honor to drink. Reviewed February 18, 2008 ARTICLE »
2003 WesMar Piner Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $35. · This one comes at you full bore the minute the cork is pulled. Sexy aromas of Bing cherry, Xmas spices, clove, exotic woods and oak char. Beautifully composed and balanced dark berry and cherry fruits that flow over the tongue like Mobil 1. An honor to drink, Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »
2003 WesMar Piner Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $35. · Sturdy on the palate with a tasty core of black cherry and black raspberry fruit highlighted by sweet oak and mint. The tannins are forbidding. Match this wine currently with hearty food. Reviewed January 1, 2009 ARTICLE »
2002 WesMar Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 185 cases, $35. · Intoxicating old wine bouquet featuring black raspberries, raisin, marzipan and lacquered wood. Roasted berries and raisin carry through on the palate with notes of brown sugar. Silky in texture with some unobtrusive tannin and a good acid spark on the finish. Charming and still pretty darn good, but should be drunk now. Reviewed January 28, 2009 ARTICLE »
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