Just hitting its stride. Rich nose, lush black cherries on the palate, silky tannins. Still has a long time left. — a month ago
Coffee, blackberry, and leather with a touch of anise. — 2 months ago
The Antica Terra Botanica Pinot Noir has concentrated notes of black cherry compote, mulberry, wild strawberry, violet, blood orange peel, crushed stone, tarragon leaves, cacao nibs, & clove with fine, polished tannins, lifted acidity, balance; an elegant wine that’s light on its feet with depth of character, projecting a quiet strength. — 3 months ago


Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir – 2023
Terra de Promissio Vineyard – Sonoma Coast – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A fresher, beautifully approachable Pinot Noir from the famed Terra de Promissio Vineyard, one of the Sonoma Coast’s most celebrated sites. The Pacific Ocean makes its magic here: cool air, fog influence, and slow ripening come together to create a Pinot of clarity, lift, and coastal finesse. Williams Selyem captures this with effortless precision.
Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherry, crushed raspberry, and cranberry with hints of pomegranate, rose petal, and a whisper of baking spice. A touch of coastal herb and minerality brings added freshness.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with lively acidity, silky tannins, and a seamless, graceful texture. Incredibly approachable yet still layered, finishing long, crisp, and refined.
Food Pairings
Roasted salmon, chicken with herbs, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, or soft cheeses like Brie and Taleggio.
Verdict
A fresh, lifted, and irresistibly drinkable Sonoma Coast Pinot. Coastal influence, thoughtful winemaking, and site purity come together in a wine that is elegant, vibrant, and classically Williams Selyem. Cheers!
Did You Know?
Terra de Promissio (“Land of Promise”), is one of the most sought-after Pinot Noir sites in Sonoma Coast. Its Goldridge soils and ocean-cooled climate consistently produce fruit of finesse and aromatic brilliance. — 23 days ago
[Tasted on November 7, 2025 at Miel in Nashville with Ned and Beth]
Purchased at winery in Willamette Valley during 2017 visit. Dried cherry and raspberry preserves, with tobacco, earth, smoke, baking spice and perfume. Burgundian style. — a month ago
Piccolo Cru’ – Red Blend – Vintage 2021
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
An Italian-inspired Bordeaux blend crafted under the steady hand of winemaker Gabriella Gazano, who has guided the estate for over 25 years. This cuvée unites 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. It’s a wine that marries the structural power of Bordeaux varietals with Mediterranean elegance and Napa Valley ripeness.
Aromas & Flavors
Vibrant layers of dark cherries, cassis, and ripe blackberry, supported by graphite, cocoa, and a whisper of dried herbs. Hints of cedar, vanilla, and warm spice from the oak complete the aromatic tapestry.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet graceful. Firm, polished tannins give structure while a velvety mid-palate carries richness and depth. The finish is persistent, balancing dark fruit with savory spice.
Food Pairings
Made for hearty and soulful fare: osso buco, braised short ribs, Tuscan ribollita, or grilled ribeye. A natural partner for Italian-inspired dishes that emphasize flavor and tradition.
Verdict
Piccolo Cru’ is a harmonious bridge between Old World refinement and New World power. Structured, soulful, and deeply satisfying, it captures both the strength of Napa terroir and the finesse of Italian winemaking artistry.
Did You Know?
Calistoga, the northernmost tip of Napa Valley, is famed for its volcanic soils and hot days cooled by evening breezes. These extremes allow Bordeaux varietals to develop ripeness and structure in equal measure, ideal for blends like Piccolo Cru’.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This bottle sings of duality: a Tuscan heart wrapped in Napa muscle. It’s soulful, elegant, and powerful, a wine I’d revisit for its depth, story, and sense of place. — a month ago
92 is rounding up a bit.
A couple things before notes. I have had other Heidi wines but not hers & Bo’s. Just wasn’t feeling retail-ish on the B&B, nor had anyone open one for me. This surfaced at just under half price. So, time to check this Heidi box.
This is a 2017; which many shied away from. Hence, the buy at half price. I would have said in my two coravined previous tastings on different nights, the fruit was nice and it still is nice. However, in getting to the bottom 1/3 of the bottle, it has taken on some additional depth & character. I imagine still not as much depth & character as their better vintages.
The nose shows some nice candied florals and mid fruits with a dark core. Some smoke (it is not smoke taint as they finished harvesting on 10/3 and the Tubbs & Atlas fires started 10/8) dry tobacco, new leather, oak, dry herbs, darker cola, moist volcanics & clay, withering dark & red flowers.
The palate is definitely one of the drier Napa Cabernets I’ve had lately. Feels like it leaves dry oak powder all over your mouth. M+ dry tannins. The fruits are bright & ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, plum, some purple fruits, lean strawberries & cherries. Smoke, dry tobacco, new leather, oak, dark spice, leaner baking spices profile, a bit of dark chocolate baking bar, dry herbs, darker cola, moist volcanics & clay, dry topsoil, dry limestone powder, black tea, dry tree bark w/ a touch of sap, withering dark & red flowers, acidity is sound-ish, it just ticks the box of balanced, tension & structure is solid, finishes short-under a minute and a little thin in the mid palate, some elegance and lands on oak, earthiness & spice.
It’s still early on this and there is room for improvement with some more evolution & integration but don’t believe this 2017 will ever live up to its winery price point. — 3 months ago
Neil Valenzuela
A young Montelena- deep purple color. Aromas of plum, blackberry and dried violets. Dark fruit on the palate, graphite and oak on the finish.
🍇94% Cab, 5% Cab Franc and 1% Petit Verdot — 7 days ago